Professor Joseph Babalola, the Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, has reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the institution’s high standards, which have earned it the reputation as the best state university and 12th overall in the country.
He made this statement during a press conference marking the university’s 29th convocation ceremony, held on March 28 and 29, 2025.
The convocation ceremony saw the graduation of 16,446 students from the 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic sessions. Notably, 200 students achieved first-class honors, while 5,406 and 9,076 students earned second-class upper and lower divisions, respectively.
Additionally, 162 PhD degrees, 242 master’s degrees, and 61 postgraduate diplomas were conferred on deserving candidates. Honorary doctorate degrees were also awarded to distinguished individuals, including Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele and Dr. Zacch Adedeji.
Babalola highlighted the numerous achievements of his administration, including the renovation and painting of the university gate and fence, remodelling of the Out Patient Department of the university Health Centre, and renovation of the male and female hostels.
Despite financial constraints, the university has witnessed significant ongoing infrastructural projects, facilitated by Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele. These projects include new classroom blocks, boreholes, phase two hostels for medical students, and the construction of an FM radio station.
Babalola expressed gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for increasing the university’s monthly subvention, which has significantly contributed to clearing outstanding staff salaries and allowances, boosting staff morale, and maintaining a stable academic calendar.
He also emphasised the importance of academic excellence and discipline, noting that 13 staff members had faced punishment for various offenses, including sexual misconduct and abandonment of duty post.
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