Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has received the newly inaugurated Global President of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Alumni Association, Ambassador Seyi Idowu, alongside his team, who paid him a courtesy visit.
He congratulated Ambassador Idowu and his team on their successful election and wished them a fruitful tenure.
The governor expressed gratitude for the alumni association’s unwavering support during his election campaign and also commended Engineer Dipo Bamisaye for his contributions.
He reaffirmed his confidence in the leadership abilities of the new Global President and pledged his full support for all the outlined initiatives.
The governor assured the association of his commitment to the professorial visits and mentorship programme, even expressing his personal readiness to participate in mentoring undergraduates.
In response to the request for a new bus by the EKSU alumni, Oyebanji pledged to personally procure the vehicle immediately to facilitate the smooth running of the alumni association.
He also assured his full backing for the proposed construction of an Alumni Centre, reinforcing his dedication to the advancement of the university and its alumni network.
Governor Oyebanji further emphasised that Ekiti State University currently boasts a strong management team, a competent council, an excellent Vice-Chancellor, and a vibrant alumni body—a combination that has earned EKSU the title of the Best State University in Nigeria.
The governor revealed that an anonymous alumnus is financing the construction of a faculty building, while the Ekiti State Government has finalised plans to construct the Faculty of Pharmacy at the university.
In his remarks, Idowu expressed gratitude to God for the privilege to serve in this capacity, thanking Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to good governance in Ekiti State. He also lauded Asiwaju Adetuberu for his exemplary leadership within the alumni association over the years.
The Global President also recognised the contributions of his predecessor, Bamisaye, for his dedication and the milestones achieved during his tenure as the immediate past Global President.
Reflecting on the past, he highlighted the governor’s significant role in the creation of Ekiti State, noting that Governor Oyebanji, as the youngest member and secretary of the committee that worked for the creation of Ekiti State, had now risen to lead the state as its governor—a testament to dedication and service.
He went on to acknowledge the ongoing reconstruction of the House of Assembly complex, emphasising the pride in having an alumnus, Adeoye Aribasoye, as the Speaker of the House.
He also appreciated the governor for appointing several alumni members to key positions in his administration.
While assuring the governor of the alumni association’s commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders in advancing the digitisation of the university, Ambassador Idowu commended the governor for being a worthy ambassador of the institution.
He, however, reiterated the alumni body’s resolve to support the administration’s development agenda.
The Global President outlined the strategic initiatives of the new alumni leadership, which include the digitisation of transcript processing to ensure efficiency and ease of access for graduates, as well as professorial visits and mentorship programmes for undergraduates to enhance academic excellence and career development.
According to him, “Other initiatives include the joint award of degrees in Artificial Intelligence through a partnership between a UK-based university and EKSU, and the expansion of Prize Endowment programmes, with an emphasis on increasing capital investment to drive innovation and research within the university.”
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