Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State has stated that his family has a long history with the University of Ibadan (UI).
Oyebanji, who spoke at his investiture and decoration as a UI@75 Ambassador in Ado Ekiti said that his father-in-law, himself and his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and two of his children graduated from the institution, vowing not to betray the confidence reposed in him and would never bring the name of his great institution into disrepute.
He stated that the UI@75 award was the first one he personally accepted in the last two years because of the high esteem in which he holds the nation’s Premier University.
Promising to mobilise his friends to assist UI financially, he noted that funding is a major challenge facing universities in Nigeria, stressing that the government alone cannot fully fund tertiary education.
He commended the initiative of the UI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, to take advantage of the celebration of the University at 75 to generate funds for the development of the University.
Oyebanji thanked all political leaders and members of his Cabinet for giving him the needed support and stated that the award would be dedicated to the people of Ekiti State who have given him the opportunity to serve.
In his remarks, Professor Adebowale said the decoration was in recognition of the governor’s noble character, exemplary leadership, striking accomplishments, and notable contributions to national development and described the governor as a thoroughbred public officer and an astounding politician whose life is an inspiration.
Speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, as the Chairman of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee explained to the governor the various needs of the institution, saying that the governor was expected to identify the area in which he would assist his alma mater.
The Registrar, Mr Ganiyu O. Saliu, decorated the Governor with a sash and presented a plaque to him.
The investiture of the Governor was witnessed by the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Monisade Afuye; the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; the Deputy Speaker, Hon Olagbaju Bolaji; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Omolara Adubiaro; the Head of Service, Dr Folake Olomojobi; and the Executive Chairman of Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board, Professor Femi Akinwumi.
