Postgraduate Programmes, Bedrock of Innovation — EKSU VC.

Postgraduate Programmes, Bedrock of Innovation — EKSU VC.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Babatola Ayodele, has described postgraduate programmes in Nigerian universities as the bedrock of innovation and critical inquiry.

Prof. Ayodele stated this at the matriculation ceremony for newly admitted candidates into the regular, sandwich, and professional postgraduate programmes of the university for the 2024/2025 academic session. He was represented at the event by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Williams Adebayo.

Speaking at the ceremony, the VC charged the matriculants to cultivate a culture of rigorous research capable of addressing societal challenges. He urged them to go beyond theory and ensure their research outputs translate into solutions that would make real impact in Nigeria and beyond.

“The essence of postgraduate studies is not just about acquiring more certificates, but about nurturing critical thinkers and innovators who will provide answers to pressing global challenges like climate change, outbreaks of diseases, and other natural phenomena,” he said.

Ayodele also congratulated the students on their admission, noting that EKSU, which he described as the best state university in Nigeria, was committed to equipping them with the knowledge and environment needed to become “enigmas of great repute.”

The matriculation oath was administered by the Registrar, Mr. Ife Oluwole, after the formal presentation of candidates by the Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Babatope Oyewole.

Confirming the development in a statement on Friday the Deputy Registrar and Head, Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun, said the university would continue to prioritise research and innovation in line with its vision of producing graduates who are solution–providers.