Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, has recorded a remarkable academic milestone by emerging overall champion of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Basin Evaluation Competition (BEC), outperforming several prestigious universities, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Ibadan (UI).
The university’s Department of Geology, which made its maiden appearance at the prestigious competition, put up an outstanding performance to clinch the first position, beating other participating institutions across the country.
The NAPE Basin Evaluation Competition is an annual premier collegiate contest involving Nigerian universities offering geoscience programmes. It provides a platform for student teams to analyse subsurface datasets, formulate field development plans and present drillable petroleum prospects to a panel of industry and academic experts.
Reacting to the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of EKSU, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, congratulated the Head of the Department of Geology, Professor Adeyinka Aturamu, and the three students who represented the university for their impressive performance.
The victorious students are Lawrence Blessing Ayomide, Team Lead; Makanjuola Peter Ayomide; and Adeniyi Favour Olaoluwa.
Professor Ayodele described the feat as a reflection of the university’s commitment to academic excellence, intellectual development and the practical application of knowledge.
He also commended the Governor of Ekiti State and Visitor to the University, His Excellency, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his administration’s continued commitment to strengthening the education sector and supporting the development of the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed particular delight at the achievement, considering the calibre of universities that participated in the competition and those that EKSU outperformed.
He said, “This result is a source of pride to the University, and it has further confirmed EKSU as a citadel of academic excellence.”
Professor Ayodele further reiterated his administration’s determination to sustain academic excellence at all levels and continually explore opportunities to consolidate and improve on the university’s achievements.
In his remarks, the EKSU NAPE Adviser and Head of the Department of Geology, Professor Adeyinka Aturamu, said the victory underscored the growing strength of the department in petroleum geoscience training, applied research and practical problem-solving.
He commended the Vice-Chancellor for providing an enabling environment that promotes academic and research excellence within the university.
Professor Aturamu also expressed appreciation to the Chancellor, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, and the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation for their financial support, the upgrading of the department’s workstation and the provision of Starlink internet facilities, which have strengthened the department’s teaching, learning and research capabilities.
The final results, announced at the NAPE Conference Dinner, placed the participating universities in the following order:
First Position: Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.
Second Position: Akwa Ibom State University.
Third Position: University of Lagos.
Fourth Position: University of Ibadan.
Fifth Position: Olabisi Onabanjo University.
As part of the award presentation, Team EKSU received a giant trophy and a cash prize of ₦1.5 million, while the three student representatives were decorated with winners’ medals.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Ekiti State University, particularly as it was the institution’s first appearance at the competition, and further reinforces its growing reputation as a centre of academic and research excellence.