EKSU to Graduate 10,959, Honours Two with Doctorates at 30th Convocation 

Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, is set to confer degrees on 10,959 graduates at its 30th convocation ceremony. This is just as the institution announced significant strides in academic development, infrastructure, global ranking, and staff welfare under the leadership of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele.

Speaking at a press conference held Tuesday at the university’s New Senate Chamber, Professor  Ayodele said the convocation, scheduled for April 10 and 11, 2026, marks the institution’s 44th anniversary and his second convocation since assuming office on August 20, 2024.

Of the total graduating students, 10,125 will receive bachelor’s degrees, 550 postgraduate qualifications, and 284 diplomas, with 82 students graduating with First Class honours.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced that the university would confer Honorary Doctor of Finance (Honoris Causa) degrees on two alumni of the University, Mr. Abayomi Aṣeyọri and Mr Akinsanmi Falaki in recognition of their contributions to finance and national development.

Growth, Rankings, Enrolment Expansion and Research Innovation

Professor Ayodele disclosed that EKSU has been ranked the best state university in Nigeria and 12th among over 300 universities nationwide, reflecting its rising academic profile. He added that the number of faculties has increased from 12 to 14, while the university currently runs 97 academic programmes, with 76 fully accredited, 3 with interim accreditation, 18 yet to mature, and none denied accreditation.

Highlighting growth in access to education, the Vice-Chancellor revealed a 54 per cent increase in student enrolment under the Directorate of Part-Time Programmes, attributing this to public confidence in the institution’s academic standards.

He noted that the Part Time programme, led by Professor K.K. Arogundade, demonstrates that “quality and quantity can grow together” in higher education delivery. Ayodele said the university recorded major academic milestones, including 15 inaugural lectures delivered within one year, bringing the total to 103, recognition of Prof. J.O. Fadare and Dr. Omojola Awogbemi, the university’s Alumni, among the world’s top 2% scientists in energy (2025).

He also highlighted student excellence, noting that Oladipo Daniel, a medical student, secured a ₦50 million Federal Government innovation grant. In addition, EKSU’s engineering team emerged first at the 2025 National Young Engineers Innovation Competition with a project on a solar-powered smart walking stick for the visually impaired.

Alumni Impact, Student Excellence, and Infrastructure Advancement

The university’s Alumni Association, led by Ambassador Seyi Idowu, was commended for funding a digital transformation action plan and institutionalising an annual inter-faculty debate competition.

At the convocation, 114 outstanding graduates will receive prizes worth ₦16.2 million, aimed at rewarding academic excellence.

EKSU also celebrated two other alumni, Akinola Dolapo and Tadobi Ayodeji, who graduated with First Class at the Nigerian Law School, with Dolapo emerging 7th overall nationwide.

Professor Ayodele listed several infrastructural projects completed or ongoing, including the construction of an ICT Experience Centre initiated by Nigeria’s first lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and facilitated by Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, upgrade of internet bandwidth from 400Mbps to 1Gbps as well as the establishment of an EKSU TV/Radio station.

He also highlighted the construction of lecture theatres, hostels, and academic buildings supported by TETFund and Senator Opeyemi Bamidele representing Ekiti Central at the National Assembly. He also acknowledged the university’s Chancellor, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, for funding staff participation in international conferences across Europe and North America.

On staff welfare, the Vice-Chancellor said the university paid ₦455.09 million in gratuities to retirees and has maintained regular payment of salaries and pensions.

Despite the progress, Professor Ayodele appealed for support in key areas, including a 750-capacity hostel, 500-seat lecture theatres, a larger auditorium and a media arts theatre, a multipurpose medical laboratory and library.

The event was attended by key university officials, including, Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Akin Oyebode

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Williams Oluwole Adebayo, the Registrar, Mr. Ife Oluwole, the Bursar, Mrs. J.O. Ojobanikan as well as university Librarian, Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Abosede

Also present were deans of faculties, the Provost of the College of Medicine, and the NUJ Chairman, Mr. Kayode Babatuyi along with other media organizations and students of Ekiti state university.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, was widely commended for providing an enabling environment that has ensured academic stability and growth in the institution.

On the issue of tuition fees, he clarified that recent adjustments apply only to newly admitted students, while returning students will continue under the existing fee structure. He explained that professional courses such as medicine, law, nursing, and engineering are inherently expensive to run, but assured that EKSU’s fees are still relatively affordable compared to those of private universities.

Professor Ayodele confirmed that the university is academically expanding its scope by introducing over 30 new programmes in emerging and high-demand fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Aerospace Engineering. These programmes, he said, have been submitted to the National universities Commission for approval and are expected to commence in upcoming academic sessions.

The vice chancellor reiterated EKSU’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness, noting that the university continues to serve as a talent hub for national institutions and international collaborations.

The press conference officially signals the start of the 30th Convocation week, running from April 7 to April 11, 2026.