The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his commitment to using education as a transformative tool to address societal challenges.
He highlighted how the administration’s significant investment in the education sector has not only shaped the future of young people but also served as a sustainable strategy for crime reduction in the state.
Speaking yesterday at the 29th Convocation Ceremony of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Akpabio underscored the need for continued educational advancement and infrastructural development.
He directed the Senate Appropriations Committee to facilitate the speedy approval of funds for the construction of the Ado-Ijan Ekiti road, which runs along the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.
He stressed that the road’s construction would enhance access to the airport, boost economic activities, and improve the movement of goods and services.
“We cannot have the best brains here, the best educational facilities, and not have the best roads,” Akpabio asserted.
The Senate President also praised the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who was honoured with an honorary doctorate degree, along with Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Internal Revenue Service, and Dr Mansur Muhtar, Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Industry.
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Akpabio described Bamidele’s recognition as a testament to his dedication to national development, education, and youth empowerment.
“Whenever you open the door of education, you close the door of prisons. I predict that in Nigerian prisons today, no Ekiti child shall be there because you are educating them to know right from wrong,” he stated.
In his address, Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to repositioning education to drive youth empowerment, development, and economic transformation.
He emphasised that education remains the bedrock of any thriving society and a critical pillar in his administration’s roadmap for progress.
The governor called on the EKSU Governing Council to prioritize creativity and innovation in driving institutional progress.
He also celebrated the university’s recent ranking as the number one state university in Nigeria and 12th overall among over 270 Nigerian universities in the latest Times Higher Education 2025 rankings.
Governor Oyebanji extended congratulations to Bamidele and the other honorees for their remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s development.
He acknowledged Bamidele’s longstanding investment in education and youth development, including his sponsorship of the bill establishing the University of Technology and Environmental Studies in Iyin-Ekiti, recently signed into law by President Tinubu.
“The Senate Leader has distinguished himself not only in Ekiti but across the globe. His investment in education and youth development is a testament to his unwavering dedication to progress,” Oyebanji stated.
The governor also announced the approval of N438.9 million to support judiciary, legislature, and subvented institutions in response to the recent minimum wage increase, urging workers to reciprocate through increased productivity.
In his remarks, Professor Akin Oyebode, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Council expressed gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for his unwavering support for education despite Nigeria’s harsh economic climate.
He assured the governor that the Council would continue to work with the university management to elevate EKSU’s global standing.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ayodele, lauded the Governor for his unprecedented support in the history of the institution, particularly citing the upward review of monthly subvention.
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He said this, has helped clear outstanding salaries and accumulated allowances, boosting staff morale and ensuring a stable academic calendar.
Speaking on behalf of the honorees, Bamidele expressed profound appreciation to EKSU’s Governing Council for recognizing their contributions to society.
He emphasised that the honour would serve as a motivation for further dedication to education and national development.
The convocation ceremony, attended by distinguished guests, academia, and students, reinforced the critical role of education in shaping a secure and prosperous future for Nigeria.
