Oyebanji promises continued backing for Ekiti polytechnic and education sector

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has pledged continued investment in education, including infrastructure, human capital and institutional capacity. He said the government would continue supporting state-owned tertiary institutions during his second term. Oyebanji, represented by Secretary to the State Government Prof Habibat Adubiaro, spoke at the combined convocation of Ekiti State College of Technology, Ijero-Ekiti.

The ceremony formally conferred National Diploma and Higher National Diploma awards on 5,742 graduands. The governor urged stakeholders, philanthropists and other individuals to complement government efforts in developing the education sector. He also congratulated the graduates and asked the institution’s management to ensure that its new polytechnic status leads to better training and improved prospects for students.

The college recently became a full-fledged polytechnic, with expanded academic programmes and accreditation for additional courses from the National Board for Technical Education. Governing Council Chairman Femi Thomas said the change followed efforts to restore stability and reposition the institution. Thomas said the new status could provide access to TETFund support, recognition by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and participation in the National Youth Service Corps for eligible programmes and graduates.

He identified increased government funding, additional lecturers and improved facilities as immediate needs. The council’s listed priorities include developing the permanent South Campus, constructing academic blocks for areas including engineering, and improving library and laboratory facilities. Rector Olufemi Olubamise said the ceremony combined graduands from academic sessions whose convocations had not previously been held, and promised that convocations would now be held annually.