EKSU Chancellor Emphasizes Values and Announces Major Programmes at 30th Convocation
The Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Dr Tunji Olowolafe, has called on graduating students to uphold the values of hard work, humility, and honesty, asserting that academic certificates alone are not enough for lifelong success. Olowolafe delivered this message during the university's 30th convocation ceremony held on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, where degrees were conferred on the Class of 2026. The event was attended by Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, top government officials, academic community members, and parents.
Focus on Personal Values Beyond Academics
Addressing the graduates, the Chancellor urged them to look beyond their academic achievements and concentrate on building strong personal values that would guide their decisions and sustain them through future challenges. "A certificate, as significant as it is, is only the beginning of the real work. What you carry inside you is what determines whether you will build something lasting," he stated. Olowolafe stressed that these core principles are essential for navigating the complexities of life and achieving meaningful success.
Enhancing Lecturer Development and Global Exposure
Olowolafe also highlighted the critical need for Nigerian universities to prioritize the continuous development of their academic staff. He noted that quality education largely depends on the growth and exposure of lecturers. Since 2024, the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation has sponsored 37 EKSU lecturers to attend international conferences across Europe and North America, aiming to enhance research capacity and foster global collaboration. This initiative will now be expanded under a structured programme known as the TOF Continuous Learning Ecosystem, designed to provide ongoing professional development opportunities for faculty members.
Boosting Student Employability and Practical Skills
The Chancellor further detailed several interventions aimed at improving students' practical knowledge and employability. In partnership with the university's Department of Finance, an investment trading room has been established, equipped with modern tools to simulate real-world financial markets. This facility has evolved into a diploma-awarding programme recognized by the university senate and is open to students nationwide. Additionally, in the sciences and engineering fields, the foundation provided a fully equipped geoscience laboratory to the Department of Geology, along with support for fieldwork. Civil engineering students were placed on internships with a construction firm involved in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Rewarding Excellence and Supporting Graduates
Olowolafe added that the foundation has sustained its financial reward scheme for academic excellence, awarding N500,000 each to 200 first-class graduates from the previous convocation. These beneficiaries will now be integrated into a First Class Graduate Club, where they will receive continuous professional development support and access to job placement opportunities across key sectors. All these interventions are part of a broader strategy to ensure lifelong learning and career development for students beyond graduation, facilitated through a digital platform that tracks skills and achievements.
A Call to Action for Graduates
Concluding his address, Olowolafe urged the graduating students to see themselves as ambassadors of EKSU, carrying the institution's legacy and expectations into wider society. "We did not come this far to stop here, and neither should you," he emphasized, encouraging them to build on their education and values to make significant contributions in their future endeavors.
