By Ayodele Abere
The Convocation Lecturer at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI) Ikere-Ekiti, Professor Akinjide Osuntokun, has warned the Federal Government against establishment of more Universities in the Country.
The Emeritus Professor of History handed down the warning on Saturday while delivering a lecture at the first convocation ceremony at the University main campus, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State
The Professor of note hinged his agitation on the fact that the already existing ones are not well funded by the government. He said there’s no point establishing more universities without properly funding the old ones.
Osuntokun therefore appealed to the government to spare the future generation by allowing serious planning to preceed the establishment of University.
Charging the new graduates of the Institution, the Chancellor of the University, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, said they should embrace the challenges ahead with confidence and courage, saying he sees in each of them the same spirit of determination and resillience that has driven the university’s growth.
“You are not just graduates, you are pioneers, the first to flag the banner of BOUESTI to the world. Remember that your journey doesn’t end here. This is just the beginning. You have been equipped with the knowledge, skills and values to make a difference in the world.
“As you step out into the world, carry with you the values and knowledge you have gained. You are the torchbearers of a worthy legacy, and we have no doubt that you will make BOUESTI proud ” . The Chancellor said.
Also, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University, Professor Oladipo Aina, who said the graduates hold a special place in BOUESTI history, urged them to remain adaptive, and lead with integrity. Adding that they should seize opportunities with enthusiasm, and persevere with determination.
“Let the knowledge, values, and experiences gained in BOUESTI guide you as you make meaningful contributions to the society “. Professor Aina advised.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa equally charged them to always remember to strive to be self-reliant and think out of the box for them to win and get to the top.
Professor Adeoluwa thanked both the parents and the new graduates for choosing BOUESTI even when it wasn’t clear if it was going to stand.
A total of 1,109 graduated with various degrees from the University. While the highlight of the occasion was the conferment of honorary degrees to four eminent Nigerians which include; His Royal Majesty, Oba Adejimi Adu, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Sani Mohammed Musa, and the Chancellor, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, who the Vice-Chancellor, Adeoluwa said were identified by their excellent contributions to development in the country, saying the university is proud to be associated with them.
“It is our belief that the honour will spur your distinguished selves to do more for our country at large and for BOUESTI in particular “. The Vice-Chancellor told the honouray awardees.
In his remark, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah commended Governor Oyebanji for his enduring reforms and sustained investment in education which he said reminded him again that, there’s no better investment than education as he described education as the core foundation for the development of any human capital.
Stressing that the award he has received would further recommit his administration to what they are doing in education sector in Enugu State as he stated that over 33% of the state’s budget has been dedicated on education
