EKSU Convocation: 200 bags first class as eksu confers honorary degrees on Bamidele, Adedeji, Mansur
…Sanctions one for sexual misconduct
By Idowu Adebomi, Ado Ekiti
The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Professor Joseph Babalola, has reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the institution’s high standards, which led to its ranking as the best state university in Nigeria and the 12th overall in the country.
Professor Babalola made this statement during a press conference organized by the university in preparation for its 29th convocation ceremony, scheduled to take place on March 28 and 29, 2025.
In his address, Professor Babalola outlined several achievements since his appointment, including the renovation and repainting of the university’s gate and fence, the remodeling of the Outpatient Department of the university Health Centre, the repainting of the EKSU International College fence, the renovation of male and female hostels, and the repair of the dilapidated roof of the Omolayo Administrative Building.
Despite limited funding, the university has witnessed significant ongoing infrastructural projects, such as the construction of classroom blocks, boreholes, Phase 2 hostels for medical students, and the construction of an FM radio station. These projects, he noted, have been facilitated by the distinguished Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele.
Professor Babalola revealed that EKSU will graduate 16,446 students from the 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic sessions. Of these, 200 students will be awarded first-class honours, 5,406 students will graduate with second-class upper division, 9,076 with second-class lower division, 1,295 with third-class degrees, and four students will graduate with a pass.
Furthermore, the university will confer 162 PhD degrees, 242 master’s degrees, and 61 postgraduate diplomas on deserving candidates. Honorary Doctorate Degrees will be awarded to Senate Leader Senator (Dr.) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (CON), Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, and Dr. Mansur Muhtar, Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Industry.
The Vice Chancellor also expressed gratitude to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for increasing the university’s monthly subvention from ₦260 million to ₦410 million. This increase, he stated, has significantly helped clear outstanding staff salaries and allowances, boosting staff morale and contributing to the stability of the academic calendar.
While maintaining that academic excellence has been a priority under his leadership, Professor Babalola also disclosed that the university had taken disciplinary action against 13 staff members for various offences. These included sexual misconduct, abandonment of their duty posts, and termination of appointments.
“We remain committed to maintaining high standards of discipline within the university. These actions are in line with our zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct,” he affirmed.
