EKITI GOVERNMENT'S VISION YIELDS FRUIT AS NBTE APPROVES EKSCOTECH'S UPGRADE TO FULL-FLEDGED POLYTECHNIC.

EKITI GOVERNMENT'S VISION YIELDS FRUIT AS NBTE APPROVES EKSCOTECH'S UPGRADE TO FULL-FLEDGED POLYTECHNIC.

A major milestone has been recorded in the advancement of technical and vocational education in Ekiti State as the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has officially approved the transmutation of the former _Ekiti State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ijero-Ekiti_ , into a full-fledged Polytechnic now known as Ekiti State College of Technology (EKSCOTECH), Ijero-Ekiti.

The approval follows the signing into law of the Ekiti State College of Technology Law No. 11 of 2025 by the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on December 23, 2025. The law repealed the Ekiti State College of Health Sciences and Technology Law No. 16 of 2019 and established the institution as a Polytechnic with an expanded mandate to provide technological, vocational and entrepreneurial education.

In a letter dated June 19, 2026, addressed to the Rector of the institution, the Executive Secretary of the NBTE, through the Director of Polytechnic and Allied Programmes, Ayo Aroge, conveyed the approval of the Board for the transmutation of the institution.

According to the NBTE, the approval was granted in recognition of the legal backing provided by the Ekiti State Government and the institution's successful fulfilment of all stipulated guidelines and procedures required for the upgrading of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to Polytechnic status.

The Board noted that having satisfied the necessary requirements, the institution has been officially recognised and approved to operate as a full-fledged Polytechnic under its new name, Ekiti State College of Technology (EKSCOTECH), Ijero-Ekiti.

The approval marks a significant achievement for the Ekiti State Government's commitment to expanding access to quality technical education, promoting innovation, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and manpower development for sustainable economic growth.

The new status is expected to broaden the institution's academic scope beyond health-related programmes, enabling it to offer a wider range of technology-driven courses and National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in line with national standards.

Meanwhile, Stakeholders have described the development as a historic transformation that will position EKSCOTECH among leading tertiary institutions driving technological advancement and workforce development in Nigeria.

With this landmark approval, Ekiti State has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to educational development, innovation and human capital advancement, reinforcing its reputation as a leading knowledge-driven state in Nigeria.

Congratulations to the Government and people of Ekiti State, the Governing Council, Management, Staff, Students and Alumni of EKSCOTECH on this historic achievement.

Governor Oyebanji Votes in Ikogosi, Commends Process.

Governor Oyebanji Votes in Ikogosi, Commends Process.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Saturday voted at his Ikogosi Ekiti country home, commending the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) for a well-organized process and the security agencies for a hitch-free election.

The Governor, who arrived at his Unit 003, Ward 6, Okelele Street, Ikogosi Ekiti at about 11:20 am in company of his Wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, cast his vote at about 11:30 after going through the variation process. 

It took the Governor and his wife less than 20 minutes to get accredited and cast their votes due to the effectiveness of the BVAS machine at the unit.

Addressing Journalists shortly after casting his vote, the Governor expressed satisfaction at the large turnout of Ekiti people across the state to exercise their franchise. 

He said reports from across the state indicated that the election was progressing smoothly in a peaceful atmosphere.

Governor Oyebanji said the peaceful atmosphere and the encouraging turnout is a reflection of the commitment of Ekiti people to democracy, adding that he is pleased with the level of participation witnessed so far.

While appealing to the electorates to be patient with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), acknowledging that minor operational glitches could occur during the process, the Governor said he is confident that the electoral body would promptly address any challenges and ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their votes.

“The report across the State has been positive, the election is going on smoothly, people are exercising their franchise, they are happy, voters turn out is impressive and I am so happy and glad people listen to call that they must come out and exercise their franchise. So, far so good everything is going on well.

“Definitely, I am satisfied and I want to appeal to our people to be patient with INEC, for all processes there will be glitches, INEC has assured me and I believe them that all the minor glitches will be attended to.

The Governor said he is optimistic that that the Stete might record the target 500,000 votes if a good percentage of all registered voters come out to vote within the stipulated period.

Governor Oyebanji said:  “If the processes continue as peacefully as it is and everybody votes, we should cross that line with what I am seeing here today”.

Arewa Community in Ekiti Endorses Oyebanji, Tinubu for Second Term.

Arewa Community in Ekiti Endorses Oyebanji, Tinubu for Second Term.

The Arewa Community in Ekiti State has declared its support for the re election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, citing what it described as his inclusive leadership and commitment to the welfare of both indigenes and non indigenes resident in the state.

The endorsement was made during an interactive session organised by the Governor of Kaduna State and National Chairman of the APC Campaign Council for the Ekiti Governorship Election, Senator Uba Sani.

Government House Reporter, Yemi Olajutemu, reports that Senator Uba Sani, who was represented by the Kaduna State APC Chairman, Mr Atiku Sankey, commended Governor Oyebanji for promoting unity and ensuring that residents, irrespective of their ethnic background, enjoy equal opportunities and protection.

He said the governor had consistently demonstrated fairness and inclusiveness through policies that recognise the contributions of northern residents to the development of the state.

Mr Sankey cited the allocation of land for the Hausa Market in Ado Ekiti, the appointment of northern residents into political offices and their employment in the state public service as practical examples of Governor Oyebanji's people centred leadership.

He urged members of the Hausa Community and other ethnic nationalities of northern extraction resident in Ekiti State to reciprocate the governor's goodwill by voting massively for his re election.

Also speaking, prominent northern political leaders, including Senator Binta Garba, Mrs Yetunde Adeniji and Senator Yerima, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Hausa Matters Mr Hussein Bawa appealed to members of the Arewa Community across the state to come out in large numbers and support Governor Oyebanji at the governorship election.

Leaders of various northern ethnic groups also shared testimonies on the impact of the governor's administration, describing him as a leader who has improved the welfare of non indigenes and created an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence in the state.

They said the administration had given every resident a sense of belonging, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation, and pledged the community's continued support for his government.

The gathering concluded with a unanimous endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for second terms in office, with members expressing confidence in their leadership and commitment to national and state development.

Kolawole Disburses N15m to Iloro Party Members, Women, Artisans Ahead of Ekiti Governorship Poll.

Kolawole Disburses N15m to Iloro Party Members, Women, Artisans Ahead of Ekiti Governorship Poll.

....Beneficiaries hail grassroots leader as he unveils first phase of N25m empowerment initiative, urges support for Oyebanji's re-election bid.

Hon. Dapo Kolawole has disbursed N15 million in cash empowerment to over 150 party members, women, artisans and loyalists in Iloro Ward A of Ekiti State, fulfilling the first phase of his N25 million grassroots empowerment initiative aimed at strengthening livelihoods and stimulating economic activities at the community level.

The empowerment programme, which took place on Thursday at the APC Iloro Ward A Secretariat, attracted party leaders, members and residents who turned out in large numbers to receive the philanthropist and political leader. The event was marked by songs of appreciation and commendations from beneficiaries who described Kolawole as a dependable leader committed to the welfare of the grassroots.

Speaking during the exercise, Kolawole disclosed that the N15 million represented the first tranche of the N25 million cash empowerment package he had pledged to residents of the ward, assuring beneficiaries that the remaining N10 million would be disbursed in the coming days.

According to him, beneficiaries were selected across the ward's 11 polling units, with 10 members from each unit receiving a minimum of N100,000, while party leaders and loyalists were also captured in the intervention programme.

Kolawole said sustainable development requires a collective effort from government and individuals in positions of influence, noting that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji continue to implement people-oriented policies, community leaders must also contribute meaningfully to improving the lives of ordinary citizens.

He explained that the initiative was designed to provide financial support for small-scale businesses, artisans, farmers and other income-generating ventures capable of enhancing household incomes and promoting local economic growth.

"Government cannot do everything alone. Those of us who are privileged to serve and remain close to the people must also contribute our quota to improving lives and strengthening our communities," he said.

Kolawole further announced plans to introduce additional empowerment packages ranging from N1 million to N2 million for selected beneficiaries as part of efforts to expand economic opportunities across the ward.

He urged recipients to make judicious use of the funds by investing in productive ventures, expanding their businesses and strengthening their trades, stressing that thriving local enterprises would contribute significantly to economic prosperity at the grassroots.

The APC chieftain also appealed to residents to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Saturday's governorship election, maintaining that continuity would ensure the consolidation of ongoing developmental projects and programmes across the state.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the intervention, describing it as timely support amid prevailing economic challenges. Many noted that the grants would enable them to increase working capital, acquire essential tools, expand business operations and improve their standard of living.

For many residents of Iloro Ward A, the empowerment programme represented more than financial assistance. It reinforced Kolawole's growing reputation as a grassroots-focused leader whose interventions continue to positively impact lives and strengthen community development across Ekiti State.

ZENITH LABOUR PARTY GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE STEPS DOWN FOR GOVERNOR OYEBANJI.

ZENITH LABOUR PARTY GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE STEPS DOWN FOR GOVERNOR OYEBANJI.

Governorship Candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Adetunji Victor Damilola, has stepped down for Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC).   

Shortly after making public his decision to step down for the Governor, the Zenith Labour Party’s candidate visited Governor Oyebajji , accompanied by the state Vice chairman of the party, Ayo Ipinlaye and Secretary, Aladeyelu Sehinde Damilola.    

He was received by Governor Oyebanji in company with the visiting Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.  

The ZLP candidate cited Governor Oyebanji’s impactful governance and commitment to excellence as reason for stepping down for the incumbent governor.

The Candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Joseph Anifowose, had last month stepped down for Governor Oyebanji while the State working committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) last week announced their decision to work for the reelection of Governor Oyebanji, urging all its members to vote enmasse for the Governor.

Ekiti APC primary dispute: Appeal Court affirms Oyebanji's candidacy.

Ekiti APC primary dispute: Appeal Court affirms Oyebanji's candidacy.

...Dismisses Olawumi's Appeal for being incompetent.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the candidacy of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State in the forthcoming governorship election as it dismissed the appeal by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs. Abimbola Olawumi who challenged the outcome of the party's primary.

In a unanimous judgment on Thursday, a three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, held that the appeal filed by Mrs. Olawumi was incompetent.

The Court of Appeal found that the appellant's brief of argument was filed in contravention of the court's rules, having exceeded the numbers allowed and proceeded to hold that the appeal was unsupported by any arguments and therefore incompetent.

Justice Banjoko, who read the lead judgment, allowed the objection raised by the respondents - the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Governor Oyebanji to the competence of  the appellant's brief of argument, filed on April 30.

The judge held that Mrs. Olawumi's brief violated Paragraph 14(a) of the Electoral Proceedings Practice Direction 2023.

She held that the brief, having been filed in violation of the court's rules, is incompetent and liable to be struck out.

Justice Banjoko further held that with the appellant'a brief struck out, the appeal becomes unsupported with any arguments, making it incompetent as well and liable to be dismissed.

She rejected the appellant's request that the court invokes its power under Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act to activate its trial jurisdiction to hear the case on the merit on the grounds that the substance of the case revolves around the the internal screening and eligibility process of the party.

Justice Banjoko held that Mrs. Olawumi's case would have also failed even if her brief was not incompetent because issues in dispute are internal affairs of the political party and the suit statute barred, having been filed out of time as found by the trial court.

She dismissed the appeal and upheld part of the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja which earlier held among others, that the suit was filed out of time, that issues raised were not justiciable and that Oyebanji was duly nominated to contest the June 20 governorship election as the candidate of the APC.

The Court of Appeal allowed the cross-appeal filed by Governor Oyebanji to challenge part of the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered by Justice Peter Lifu.

Justice Oyebiola Oyewumi, who read the lead judgment, held among others, that the trial judge was in error when he found that the first cross respondent (Mrs. Olawumi) was an aspirant.

She resolved the sole issue identified for determination against the Mrs. Olawumi and set aside the finding by the trial judge that she is an aspirant within the contemplation of the constitution and electoral act 2022.

#EkitiDecides2026: SA on Hausa Matters, Bawa Husseini rallies Ekiti Hausa Community for Oyebanji’s Re-election.

#EkitiDecides2026: SA on Hausa Matters, Bawa Husseini rallies Ekiti Hausa Community for Oyebanji’s Re-election.

Ahead of Saturday's highly anticipated governorship election in Ekiti State, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Hausa Matters, Hon. Hussein Isiaka Bawa, has taken the re-election campaign of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) to the grassroots of the Hausa community across major markets and hubs in the state capital.

In a series of strategic mobilization meetings held on Wednesday, Hon. Husseini engaged community members and traders at key locations, including Oja Oba, Shasha BAO Market (Agric Olope), Shasha Market (Fagbohun), and Sabo Lekeleke.

Addressing the large gatherings, the Special Assistant urged the Hausa population in Ekiti to turn out in large numbers to cast their votes for Governor Oyebanji, emphasizing that the current administration has demonstrated an unprecedented level of inclusivity and fairness to non-indigenous communities.

 "Governor Biodun Oyebanji has proven himself to be a leader for all residents of Ekiti State, regardless of ethnic background," Husseini stated. "His administration has consistently carried the Hausa community along in governance, policy-making, and welfare."

Husseini further assured the community that a second term for the incumbent governor would guarantee even greater economic opportunities, empowerment programs, and structural representation for the Hausa population within the coming administration.

The community leaders and traders at the various markets expressed their appreciation for the Governor’s continuous support and promised a robust turnout at the polls on June 20 to secure BAO’s continuity in office.