By Charles Ayodele
The Provost, Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti state, Prof. Ajigbade Ikuejube, has said that the taking off of the institution was confronted with a lot of problems, but they are gradually being addressed.
He revealed this in his speech at the maiden matriculation of the school, held at its temporary site at Ilawe-Ekit, Ekiti South-West local government, in which about three hundred and seventeen students were involved.
According to him, some of the initial challenges include lack of identity for the school, declining interest in the National Certificate of Education NCE programme, lack of physical infrastructure, utilities and operational vehicles, staffing among others. He said the challenge of identity was solved through aggressive use of the various media of communication. While the institution can equally boast of both well qualified academic and non-academic staff.
Prof. Ikuejube believes that despite the efforts of the authorities of the institution in tackling the challenges, there is need to solicit financial and other assistance from individuals and corporate bodies for the new college to cope with growing demand for necessary facilities to be put in place.
He appreciated the efforts of the federal government and individuals from within and outside the community which enabled the college to take off in the first place. The Provost advised the students to embrace commitment, discipline and other Indices that will place them in a better stead in the society.
The College’s helmsman told the students that by their studies the college is on the part of charting a positive future for them.
A keynote speaker, Prof. Femi Mimiko, commended the matriculating students for their decision in being part of the history of the college. He urged them to put in their best and come out of the best of outcomes and walk in integrity.
”You must in or out of class be a part of solution for our national problems, not part of the problems”.
In the lecture titled, “Teacher Education and Nigeria National Development”, Prof. Mimiko described teacher education as the foundation of national growth and transformation. He cautioned the students against what he called’, “destiny-burstng pastimes”, which could derail their future.
He commended the federal government for putting in place the students’ loan scheme which he noted has been assisting students through the National Education Loans Fund, NELFUND. Adding that it is good for the students to key into it for their career.
The event was graced by royal fathers including the host, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, who welcomed his colleagues, the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Chiefs from within and outside the community.
Also in attendance were representative of the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, government functionaries, guests from other tertiary institutions from within and outside the state.
In an interview, parents, guardians, friends, well-wishers including other observers described the event as one that made the whole town lively. Adding that it remains a landmark in the history of the ancient town and the College as well as a step in the institution’s journey to excellence and nation-building.
