The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called on universities in the country to prioritise research efforts aimed at tackling critical challenges confronting this nation as well as producing graduates who are solution providers.
He made the call on Saturday at the 8th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Oyebanji stressed the need for institutions to produce graduates equipped with the skills and mindset to tackle the pressing problems of the country head-on.
Oyebanji, at the event, which was attended by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and other eminent personalities, justified the importance of nurturing a generation of problem solvers poised to drive sustainable development.
He urged universities to revamp their curricula to emphasise critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship that could provide solutions to the problems of this country.
Emphasising the urgent need for homegrown solutions to Nigeria’s divers’ challenges, Oyebanji stressed the importance of equipping students with practical skills and a real-world experience through hands-on learning and industry partnership.
While commending the University for their numerous achievements in about eight years of establishment, the Governor said: “I have watched with keen interest the phenomenal growth of this university from 5,041 students to 51,000 in less than eight years as well as the quality of scholarship in the institution.”
He congratulated the graduands and charged them to take the advantage of the training and learning they have acquired to contribute their quota to the society.
The Governor assured that his government will continue to collaborate with the institution for greater development and growth of the school.
“As a government, we will continue to collaborate with this institution, but I plead with you sir, university must put a lot of emphasis on research, we must produces solution providers, people that will help to solve the problem of this country,” the Governor asserted
The highpoint of the event was the conferment of honorary degree of the university on three eminent personalities: Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; Senator Solomon Adeola; and Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu.
While Bamidele was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Public laws, Adeola was conferred with Doctor of Accounting and Adamu, Doctor of Political science.
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Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Bamidele said they valued the honour conferred on them by the university and expressed their profound appreciation for the recognition bestowed upon them.
He said the honorary degree conferred on them serves as testament to their dedication, achievement and commitment to excellence in their respective fields.
