By Sola Balogun
The Vice Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology Ikere Ekiti, Professor Andrew Babatunde Omojola recently honoured distinguished sons and daughters of Ekiti who have contributed significantly to the growth of the institution in one way or the other. Prof Omojola who reiterated the ambassadors’ display of integrity, resourcefulness and leadership skills also commended the awardees for having contributed immensely to the transformation of the institution from a college of education into a full fledged conventional university. While recalling the institution’s transformation within the100 days of his tenure as Vice Chancellor, Prof Omojola expressed confidence in his team of principal officers, noting that within a short time, the management of the institution has demonstrated its capacity to take the university to greater heights. The VC also pledged a strategic synergy between the university and captains of industries with a vision to producing wealth for the sustainable growth and development of the fast growing tertiary institution. As a demonstration of this vision, Prof Omojola beckoned on one of his former students, Prince Adetoyi Olabode to lead the unveiling of the Yoghurt brand, produced by students of the university.Tagged ‘An evening with the Vice Chancellor, ‘ the epoch making event was graced by royal fathers, notable sons and daughters of Ekiti, many of who made generous financial and material donations towards the growth of the institution.
Among the awardees was Hon Oyetunde Ojo, the DG of Federal Housing Authority who, in addition to unveiling the varsity’s Yoghurt with the sum of one million naira, equally pledged a 5000-seater hall, cash donations to all departments in the university as well as a grand plan to refurbish the students’ hostels within the university. While making his generous donations, Hon Ojo disclosed how the late governor Bamidele Olumilua had wished that the old College of Education in Ikere Ekiti be upgraded to the status of a University during his lifetime. The dream however came to reality years after Olumilua’s death, explained Ojo who reiterated the former governor’s firm belief and commitment to quality education as the bedrock of development.
Also making his own donation was Prince Dr Adetoyi Olabode, former Commissioner for Agriculture in Ekiti state who recalled how he initiated and funded several training and scholarship schemes in favour of youths and students of tertiary institutions across Ekiti and Nigeria in general. Other distinguished guests or awardees who unveiled the Buoesti yoghurt with cash donations include Hon Bimbo Daramola, Professor Ibiyinka Ogunlade, Olori Ololade Adedunmi, Aare Ayodele, Pastor Akinkunmi Abimbola, UK- based Dr Olugbenga Ajayi and Sir Seboore Badejo, among others. Meanwhile, principal officers who joined Prof Omojola in unveiling the product were Prof Olu Atunramu (Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics & Research), Prof Joseph Ekiran ( Deputy Vice Chancellor Development) Mrs Adenike Adeusi (Registrar) Mr Babatunde Apata (Bursar), Mrs Ronke Sowemimo Adekunmisi (University Librarian) Dr Omololu Abe ( HOD, Theatre Arts Department) among many others.