The Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, has urged stakeholders to pursue meaningful reforms in Nigeria’s education system—placing lecturers at the center of progress.
Speaking during the university’s 30th Convocation Ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, Olowolafe stressed that continuous learning is essential for educators. According to him, any lecturer who stops growing loses the capacity to truly teach.
He revealed that the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation has, since 2024, sponsored 37 EKSU lecturers to attend international conferences, part of a broader effort to strengthen faculty development.
Addressing the graduating Class of 2026, the Chancellor encouraged students to look beyond certificates and focus on values that ensure long-term relevance. He noted that while degrees may open doors, it is character and values that determine success afterward. “What you receive today is not the final destination—it is the starting point of real life,” he said.
The ceremony drew prominent attendees, including Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, lawmakers, university officials, traditional rulers, parents, and other stakeholders.
Reflecting on EKSU’s academic journey spanning over four decades, Olowolafe described the institution’s legacy as a source of pride for its community.
He also introduced Project Digi-Teach EKSU, an initiative aimed at equipping all 650 academic staff with digital skills. He emphasized that any university preparing students for a digital economy must itself be digitally proficient. This effort is supported by investments in campus-wide internet connectivity, which he described as essential for effective use of digital tools.
To bridge the gap between theory and practice, Olowolafe highlighted several hands-on learning initiatives. These include the EKSU Trading Room and Financial Market Programme, developed in partnership with the CFA Institute, a Geoscience Earth Laboratory for practical training, and engineering student placements on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. He said these efforts reflect a shift toward preparing students with both knowledge and real-world experience.
Promoting academic excellence, the Foundation has also awarded N500,000 each to 200 First Class graduates in previous years, with about 83 more expected to benefit this year and join the TOF First Class Graduate Club.
In addition, Olowolafe announced a partnership with Springpod, making EKSU the first African university on the platform. The collaboration provides students with access to global virtual work experiences with top companies such as Amazon, Barclays, Deloitte, and Rolls-Royce helping produce graduates who are skilled, exposed, and ready for the workforce.
