Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the retention of the governing councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions for another term, citing their outstanding performance in repositioning higher education in the state.
The governor said the decision is aimed at sustaining stability, strengthening institutional governance, and consolidating the gains recorded across the education sector.
Governor Oyebanji made this known on Monday while receiving members of the Governing Council of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti, led by its Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Patrick Aina, at his office in Ado-Ekiti.
According to the governor, the decision will ensure continuity, policy consistency, and sustained progress in the administration of tertiary institutions across the state.
The governing councils of the institutions affected by the decision include Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti; Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti; Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti; and Ekiti State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ijero-Ekiti.
Governor Oyebanji expressed satisfaction with the performance of the councils, noting that their visionary leadership, experience, and dedication have significantly improved academic standards and infrastructure development within the institutions.
While noting that his first term will conclude in October, the governor emphasized the importance of sustaining initiatives and governance structures that have delivered positive outcomes. He added that retaining the councils would further strengthen institutional governance and prevent any disruption to the ongoing developmental momentum.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for tertiary institutions to thrive, stressing that education and human capital development remain top priorities of his government.
“On behalf of the Government of Ekiti State, I am extremely grateful to you for your contributions to the growth of BOUESTI. I am proud of the strides recorded, and it is clear that the future is bright.
“I am aware that this administration is winding down by October, but when a system is working, there is no need to disrupt progress. Let me say this: I am retaining all the governing councils of our institutions. I need to say this so that people don’t start winding down. I am retaining all of them—BOUESTI, EKSU, Isan Polytechnic, and the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ijero. I am proud of the quality of the council members in those institutions, and when a system is working, you can’t just retard the progress.
“So, SSG, when you are making your announcement, leave these councils out. I don’t want to truncate or limit the progress that is going on in those institutions. If there is one appointment I made and I am particularly proud of, it is the quality of our governing council members,” the governor said.
Earlier, Prof. Patrick Aina congratulated the governor on his re-election victory, describing it as a clear affirmation of the trust and confidence the people of Ekiti State have in his leadership, vision, and commitment to development.
He described the re-election as a historic and record-setting achievement, reflecting widespread acceptance of the administration’s people-centred policies and notable accomplishments across critical sectors.
Prof. Aina also noted that BOUESTI has witnessed significant growth and development under the governor’s leadership, driven by sustained investment and support.
Other officials present at the meeting included the Secretary to the State Government, Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye; and Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode. BOUESTI’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Omojola, and other principal officers of the institution were also in attendance.