Oyebanji urges Ekiti tertiary institutions to optimise increased subvention
Governor Biodun Oyebanji has urged Ekiti State University, EKSU, and other state-owned tertiary institutions to make optimal use of the raise in subventions given to them.
The governor had increased EKSU’s monthly subvention from ₦260 million to ₦410 million, and the same was done the other state-owned institutions. The decision is to help the institutions cope with the financial struggles.
Governor Oyebanji, who is an alumnus of EKSU urged the institutions to be competitive at the local and international levels. In particular, Oyebanji urged EKSU’s management to restore the institution’s lost glory and at the same time leverage the expertise of its chancellor, pro chancellor, and council members to elevate the stature of the institution.
He lamented incessant strike action by teaching and non teaching staffs of the University, which he said has discouraged and frustrated many students and parents. Governor Oyebanji assured that he would give more funding to the university to address other challenges.
On current efforts to address electricity situation on the EKSU campus by connecting the campus to the state Independent Power Plant (IPP), Governor Oyenanji disclosed that the University should be prepared to pay for the electricity supply, stressing that the IPP is a private sector initiative supported by Government.
“Let me make it clear here that while government is footing the bills for connecting the university to the IPP, the university should be prepared to pay for the power supply. Government is paying for electricity supply to its offices because this is a private arrangement.
I am stating this now so that when the company requests for its payment it does not become an issue for strike action again’
Among those honored alongside the Governor were the First Lady of the state, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Global President of the Alumni Association Engineer Dipo Bamisaiye, Speaker, Ekiti State Housenof Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, among others.
Earlier, the Pro Chancellor of EKSU, Prof. Akin Oyebode, commended Governor Oyebanji’s proactive approach towards addressing structural and infrastructural challenges within the institution.
He highlighted the significance of the increased subvention, which is set to propel the university management towards devising innovative solutions aimed at restoring the institution’s erstwhile glory. Prof. Oyebode affirmed the Governor’s unwavering commitment to repositioning tertiary education in the state, assuring that such initiatives would yield tangible outcomes.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Edward Olanipekun explained the rationale behind honoring distinguished alumni, noting the government’s strides in addressing various challenges confronting the institution, including financial constraints, provision of alternative power supply through IPP, and internal road construction.l
Expressing their delight at the recognition bestowed upon them, the awardees pledged to redouble their efforts, with Senator Bamidele emphasizing a commitment of One Billion Naira towards a constituency project aimed at enhancing the university’s infrastructure and overall educational facilities.
