The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Professor Joseph Ayodele, has confirmed that plans are underway to introduce fifteen new programmes in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Aerospace, among others.
Addressing journalists at a press conference heralding the 30th convocation ceremony, the VC explained that the new initiatives are part of plans to expand the scope of study and ensure the university produces graduates who fit into current global realities.
According to him, all programmes of the university have been fully accredited, while hoping that the three programmes with interim status will get full accreditation having addressed observations raised by the commission.
The Vice Chancellor explained that the university has recorded many achievements in areas such as stable academic calendar, improved staff welfare, infrastructure development, academic excellence, and sports development, among others.
Speaking on challenges, the VC called for an autonomous budget for the College of Medicine, saying administrative running of the college is capital-intensive. According to him, if government and relevant stakeholders could take up the budget of the college, the university would have more than enough to expand and address some other academic demands that could enhance its status and delivery.
Speaking on student security, Professor Ayodele confirmed that EKSU is safe and certain strategic security measures have been put in place to ensure student safety both on and off campus. He added that the university is hoping to operate a residential system to ensure better control of students, hence he called on relevant stakeholders and business organisations to invest in the construction of hostels, which would be run through Public-Private Partnership.
Highlighting activities of the convocation, the VC announced that the programme continues on Wednesday with the convocation lecture themed: “Power, Responsibility, and Stewardship: Balancing the Barricade with Governance”, to be delivered by Professor Ayodeji Oludare Omole, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, and Chairman of Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities.
On Thursday, there will be a debate by 10 am, a convocation meeting, and an Alumni Dinner. On Friday, there will be an award of degrees, first degree, and presentation of prizes. The climax of the programme is Saturday with the conferment of Post Graduate Diploma, Master’s, Doctorate, and Honorary degrees.
