EKSU Emerges Second Globally at 2025 SEG Challenge Bowl.

EKSU Emerges Second Globally at 2025 SEG Challenge Bowl.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU), has once again brought pride to Nigeria on the international stage, clinching the second position at the 2025 Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Global Challenge Bowl held on October 15, 2025.

The global academic contest, which featured 19 top universities from around the world, saw Team EKSU outperform several prestigious institutions, including the University of Colorado, which finished third. The University of Lagos emerged overall winner.

Team EKSU, made up of Boluwatife Osasona, Lawrence Blessing, Olajioye Idowu, and Adeniyi Favour, earned their ticket to the global final after finishing as first runner-up at the Sub-Saharan Africa regional qualifier in June 2025.

Speaking on the achievement, the Head of the Department of Geology, Professor Adeyinka Aturamu, commended the students and their coordinator, Mr. Matthew Adeniran, alongside departmental staff, for their dedication and commitment to excellence.

Also, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Professor Lawrence Ademilua, acknowledged the vital support of the university management, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, for providing the enabling environment that made the feat possible.

While receiving the team in his office, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatola Ayodele, congratulated the students for projecting EKSU’s image positively on the global stage.

He announced that each member of the team would receive a letter of commendation and valuable gifts in recognition of their outstanding performance, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence in future competitions.

“You have made us proud and shown the world that EKSU is a centre of academic excellence. Do not rest on your oars; continue to aim higher and seize every opportunity to excel,” Ayodele said.

The Vice-Chancellor also expressed appreciation to the Chancellor of the university, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, for his continuous support through infrastructural and capacity development initiatives within the Department of Geology and across the university.

In his reaction, the Head of the Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, Dr. Olofinmuagun, described the global recognition as “a clear testimony of the university’s rising academic profile and commitment to international excellence.”

 “This remarkable performance by our students further validates EKSU’s vision to produce globally competitive graduates. The management remains committed to supporting research, innovation, and academic competitions that place the university on the world map,” Dr. Olofinmuagun stated.

The 2025 SEG Global Challenge Bowl, regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious academic competitions in geophysics, marked another major milestone in EKSU’s pursuit of academic and research excellence, reinforcing its reputation as one of Africa’s leading institutions.

Take Ownership of Infrastructure in Your Communities, Oyebanji Urges Ekiti Residents.

Take Ownership of Infrastructure in Your Communities, Oyebanji Urges Ekiti Residents.

…Commissions Two Township Roads in Ado Ekiti.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has called on residents of the State to take ownership of road infrastructure within their communities, stressing that protecting and maintaining the roads is key to ensuring their longevity.

Governor Oyebanji made the call in Ado Ekiti on Thursday while commissioning the newly completed Bovas-Spotless road  and Palace-Okeage-Idolofin  road projects as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration

Speaking while commissioning the project, Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, said his administration remains committed to delivering infrastructure across the State to improve living standard of the people. He emphasized that the sustainability of the projects depends largely on the collective responsibility of the citizens.

The Governor urged the people not to engage in acts capable of damaging the roads such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drainage, unauthorized excavation along road shoulders among others.

The Governor said “Let me urge all road users and residents to maintain and work together to preserve this road, it is an investment in our collective future and we all have a role to play in maintaining it.

While affirming that his administration places high premium on good road network, Governor Oyebanji posited that roads are not just pathway for vehicles but are lifeline that connect communities, promote trade, improve security and contribute to the overall quality of the people adding that the palace-Oke-Age-Idolofin and Bovas-Spotless township roads would ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time and open new vista of economic opportunities for the residents and business in the area.

“Let me assure you again that we will not rest on our oars in bringing the dividends of Democracy to all the citizens of Ekiti State. I also seek for cooperation bearing it in mind that the development of our dear state is our collective responsibility”. The Governor asserted.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Sola Adebayo affirmed that the project represents a significant milestone in the government's collective efforts to enhance the livability, accessibility, and aesthetics of Ekiti state adding that the event stands as another testament to the unwavering commitment of Governor Oyebanji to the progress and infrastructural transformation of the state capital.

Adebayo stated further that the various roads projects embarked upon by this administration were in deplorable state for so many years before the government embarked on their rehabilitation or reconstruction.

He added that the kind of road network Governor Oyebanji envisaged for the state capital was one capable of easing traffic flow, enhancing accessibility and improving the general quality of life for its residents and communities alike.

While expressing appreciation to Governor Oyebanji on his various giant strides in repositioning road infrastructure in the state, the Commissioner said the completion of the roads projects underscored his dedication to improving road connectivity and promoting economic activities within the various communities.

He called on the residents of the areas to take ownership of the road as well as ensure its proper maintenance by desisting from acts that would shorten its lifespan, such as dumping refuse in the drainage or constructing unauthorized speed bumps as the sustainability and durability of the roads remain the collective responsibility of all and sundry.

The leaders of the two benefitting communities Mr Adebayo Folorunso and chief Adetileyin who spoke on behalf of the Landlord's association and residents expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for the laudable projects that have enhanced good living conditions of the people and repositioned the state for improved service delivery towards attaining his shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

They used the opportunity to assure the Governor that they will come out in their large numbers to cast their votes for him in a bid to return him for the second term to continue his good work.

Also at the event were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habitat Adubiaro, Head of Service Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, members of the House of Assembly, members of the state executive council, among others.

ADICO and Igogo Commercial High School Set Up Epic Final Showdown at Agbeyewa Cup 2025.

ADICO and Igogo Commercial High School Set Up Epic Final Showdown at Agbeyewa Cup 2025.

The stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling grand finale at the 3rd Edition of the Agbeyewa Cup, as two outstanding teams — Aramoko District Commercial Secondary School (ADICO) and Igogo Commercial High School — have booked their spots in the much-anticipated final match scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

ADICO proved their resilience and composure under pressure after a tough contest against Efon High School at the Igede Centre. The game ended in a tense penalty shootout, with ADICO triumphing 5–3 to seal their passage to the finals.

At the Ado Centre, despite a heavy downpour that drenched the field and tested the determination of both teams, Igogo Commercial High School and Eporo High School battled fiercely for a place in the final. In the end, Igogo Commercial High School edged past their opponents 4–2 on penalties, demonstrating grit, focus, and teamwork in challenging conditions.

With both teams now through to the final, attention now shifts to the Olukismet Stadium, Ikere-Ekiti, where the grand finale will be played. First to be played is the 3rd-place playoff between Efon High School and Eporo High School which will kick off at 2:00 p.m., followed by the final clash between ADICO and Igogo Commercial High School at 4:00 p.m.

Football enthusiasts, community leaders, and dignitaries from across Ekiti State are expected to grace the event, which has grown into one of the most exciting youth sports tournaments in Ekiti State.

As the Agbeyewa Cup 2025 reaches its climax, anticipation is at an all-time high. Will ADICO lift the coveted trophy, or will Igogo Commercial High School claim the glory? The answer will unfold under the bright lights of the Olukismet Stadium — where passion, pride, and promise will take centre stage once again.

Dasilva Rallies APC Ward Chairmen, Hails Oyebanji’s Achievements.

Dasilva Rallies APC Ward Chairmen, Hails Oyebanji’s Achievements.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Adeshina Lawal, popularly known as King Dasilva, has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for what he described as “giant strides” recorded within three years of his administration.

Dasilva made the remarks during a strategic meeting with 177 ward chairmen and party leaders across the state, held in Ado-Ekiti. The meeting, according to him, was aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and ensuring continuity of the Oyebanji-led administration beyond 2026.

He lauded Governor Oyebanji’s developmental drive across various sectors, noting that the governor’s achievements had brought renewed hope and confidence to the people of Ekiti State.

“Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated uncommon leadership, humility and commitment to the progress of our dear state. His focus on infrastructure, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance is commendable. I charge all party leaders to remain steadfast in their support for the continuity of this administration,” Dasilva said.

The APC State Chairman, Barr. Sola Elesin, who was also in attendance, expressed appreciation to Dasilva for convening the meeting, describing him as “a passionate advocate of good governance and unity within the party.”

“I must commend King Dasilva for his continuous efforts in promoting inclusive leadership and supporting the ideals of our great party. His passion for grassroots engagement is worthy of emulation,” Elesin stated.

Other dignitaries at the event included the APC State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Segun Dipe, and the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from ward chairmen and party stakeholders to work collectively for the success of the Oyebanji administration and the APC in future elections.

Oyebanji says provision of infrastructure necessary for economic well-being.

Oyebanji says  provision of  infrastructure necessary for economic well-being.

…Commissions electricity project.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has restated the commitment of his administration to continue to embark on projects that will serve as the fulcrum of future development in the state, adding that provision of critical infrastructure to enhance economic wellbeing of the people is his priority.

Governor Oyebanji stated this in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday while commissioning the Oshodi electrification project. He said he recognized the significance of electricity to achieve radical development as it powers businesses, supports education, improves healthcare delivery, and enhances the overall quality of life in communities.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Governor, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, said the project would be a game changer to residents of the community as tends to enhance their economic activities and improved opportunities for further expansion.

While commending the people of Oshodi community for their patience, cooperation and selfless support during the implementation of the project, the Governor also acknowledge the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities and all other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the initiative.

“This event is yet another testimony to the commitment of our administration to provide the critical infrastructure that enhances the welfare and economic well-being of our people. We recognize that electricity is essential for development. It powers businesses, supports education, improves healthcare delivery, and enhances the overall quality of life in communities.”

“With the completion of this project, also the community will experience renewed economic activity and better living conditions. The artisans, traders, and entrepreneurs will now have improved opportunities to expand while our children can study in the more conducive environments.

Earlier, the Special Advisor to the Governor on Power Infrastructure, Engr. Philip Atere, who described the project as a huge investment that takes only a passionate mind like that of Governor Oyebanji to attend to, stressed the need to continue to encourage and motivate rural dwellers with social amenities that stop them from migrating to urban centres.

Engr. Atere commended the Governor for his radical investment in the power sector that went through virtually all the local government areas of the state and supplying electricity to communities that have been in darkness for upward of fifteen years.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairmen of Ado North Local Council Development area, Hon. Tokunbo Gbadamosi and her Ado Central counterpart, Hon. Toyin Ojo urged residents of the area to take ownership of electricity transformers and other consumables to prevent theft and vandalism to ensure the durability of the infrastructure and its benefits to the community. 

They added that by protecting the government projects, communities can maintain reliable power supply for economic activities to create sustainable livelihoods.

States now more buoyant under President Tinubu’s administration – Gov. Oyebanji.

States now more buoyant  under President Tinubu’s administration – Gov. Oyebanji.

… Says govt has not taken any loan to finance projects.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his special interest in Ekiti State by freeing more resources to the state to carry out laudable people- oriented and legacy projects in the last three years of his administration.

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Wednesday during the official commissioning of the ultra-modern Ekiti Revenue House, in Ado Ekiti,  disclosed that his administration has been commissioning a wide range of projects including roads, electricity, hospitals and water to commemorate his third anniversary in office.

The Governor, who also disclosed that his government has not taken any loan to finance the various projects embarked upon by his government in the last three years, said that his administration is committed to sustaining the state’s development goals stressing that IRS plays pivotal role in propelling the state’s economic growth and contributing massively to the well-being of its citizens.

He lauded President Tinubu for appointing Dr Zaach Adedeji as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) describing the appointment as a round peg in a round hole as it speaks to the commitment of the President to merit and and excellence.

 “I can stand here to boast and beat my chest that every project we have done in Ekiti state up to now, we have not taken a loan to do any one of them. And that speaks to the fact that we have a president who is transparent, who allows the resources to be shared the way it should be shared. One thing is for you to have the money at the center, another thing is for the center to give it to you, but for once, in our history, Mr. President has given to us more than our fair share of the federation allocation.

“Once again, I thank Mr. President for his support, he's the one that should take the glory after God for whatever achievement we have achieved in Ekiti State as a government. I would not be able to do anything on my own without the support of the president. And on this note, I plead with all of us in Ekiti state to continue to pray for Mr President, he needs our prayers, he needs our encouragement. For the first time in the history of this country, we have a President that is prepared. 

“And I also plead with you that by the grace of God, Mr. President will run for a second time. All those reforms that Mr. President instituted that some people are abusing him for is what we are gaining here. It's the gain that we are using to implement most of this project. Mr president has been good to us and I have no doubt in my mind that when the time comes for you to say thank you, you will do that through your vote. The Governor stated.

Governor Oyebanji used the opportunity to assure the Joint Tax Board (JTB) that his government will embark on process to pass a law unifying the state’s tax administration through necessary legislation because of his belief and support for the national tax law as signed by Mr. President to harmonize all the taxes that will free more resources to the sub-nationals.

While commissioning the project, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zaach Adedeji commended Governor Oyebanji for bequeathing the edifice for revenue generation service in the state as well as the various landmark infrastructure he has embarked upon in the state describing him as a competent hand to deliver dividends of democracy to Ekiti people.

Dr Adedeji stated further that there is no better advertisement for payment of taxes than letting the people see what government is spending their money on saying innovation and fiscal discipline can achieve a lot if the right people like Governor Oyebanji are at the helm of affairs.

In his welcome remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Olaniran Olatona expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for according the service the necessary support to make headway among other states of the federation.

Mr Olatona, who noted that the edifice was not about self-aggrandizement but born out from the need to overcome the operational limitations of the present location which hindered vital collaborations and data mining essential for modern revenue administration, added that the revenue trajectory of the state has been transformative with an average monthly internally generated revenue risen significantly much that Ekiti came first in IGR growth rate published by JTB and National Bureau Statistics last year. 

He affirmed that collective efforts have moved the state from 35th position to one of the first 16 states in the country adding that the new data driven and digitally enabled framework will ensure greater efficiency, transparency and collaborations as well as accountability framework that will give the low income earners a breathing space in tax administration.

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive council , Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, traditional rulers led by the Chairman, Traditional rulers Council and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti,  Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado and other top Government Officials, among others.

You 've Entrenched Purposeful Governance For Ekiti Citizens, Sanwo-Olu Salutes Oyebanji.

You 've Entrenched Purposeful Governance For Ekiti Citizens, Sanwo-Olu Salutes Oyebanji.

....canvasses support for Tinubu, Oyebanji's Second term.

....God specially prepared Oyebanji for Ekiti governance- Ewi.

Lagos State Governor,  Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared that his  Ekiti State counterpart, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, had in three years of his administration, succeeded in entrenching the culture of  purposeful governance that has benefitted all the strata of the state.  

To sustain this trajectory of good governance initiated by the Governor, Sanwo-Olu canvassed support for Governor Oyebanji and urged Ekiti voters to return him for a second term to further consolidate  democracy gains for the citizens.  

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke at Iworoko Ekiti, Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government Area, on Wednesday, during the commissioning of the Ado Ekiti Ring Road Phase 1, as part of the activities marking the third year of Biodun Oyebanji's administration. 

Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor of the Centre of Excellence, showered encomiums on the House of Assembly for cooperating with the Governor and strengthening Executive-Legislative partnership that spiralled development in the state.

Sanwo-Olu described the Ring Road project, as strategic and pivotal to the development of the state, stressing that the governor has not disappointed and that through him, purposeful governance is spiralling and consolidating fast in Ekiti.

With his sterling performance, the Lagos State Governor averred that the Ekiti State Governor has demonstrated that leadership is about service and not showmanship or acquisition of wealth at the expense of the populace.

"I am impressed with how you are consolidating purposeful governance for Ekiti people. This is a governance they can see and feel, not in the air. You have proven to be an embodiment of what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has continued to challenge all of us at the subnational that we must represent the people well. 

"You have a man who in three years have done what some people can't do in four or five years. He has shown that leadership is about service, is about talk and do, is about once you are given a commitment, there shouldn't be any excuse. I stand here truly proud of what you have done. Ekiti can't afford to reject you for a second term", Sanwo-Olu stated. 

The Lagos State Governor further saluted Oyebanji  for connecting the towns through good roads and streetlights, saying this will help in powering meaningful economic prosperity and purposeful governance in the state. 

"This is not just politics or rhetorics, this is an achievement we can all touch  and feel. He has told you all the roads he has constructed , all the  health centres he has built and all the youths he has engaged. For you to stop this stop and start that you do, I want you to vote massively for him in 2026 election. Return him back to office to work for you. 

"With this achievement that we are all proud of, Governor Oyebanji's  second term is a second term of  additional prosperity, second term of more youth empowerment, second term of more hospital construction, second term of more empowerment for  Senior citizens, and for our women, to feel more dividends of democracy.

"We need to galvanize ourselves and give him votes you have never recorded before. Votes that can transform the state into a centre of excellence and that will be a precursor to what will happen in 2027 for President Tinubu. It is only  when you do that, that  you can see continuity of governance.

"With the way things are going in Ekiti under Governor Oyebanji, in 2030, you will see small London in Ekiti. You will see an Ekiti that is a pride of  southwest and glory of  Nigeria that will drive our people home from where they work abroad".

Commenting on how pivotal the road project is to economic growth, Governor Oyebanji, revealed that the project was specifically conceptualised to decongest Ado Ekiti metropolis of vehicular gridlock and spike up economic activities along Iworoko, Afao, Are, Igbemo, Araromi Obo and other adjoining towns.

Exhibiting confidence that his strategic thinking will open up the state to better prosperity, Oyebanji was upbeat that with this road,the first of its kind in the state, a new Ado Ekiti town will be created along the corridor that will drive industrial growth and urban development that will add  value to the state. 

Besides road construction, Oyebanji revealed that an aggregate of 103 health centres have been constructed with modern facilities to offer quality healthcare for the citizens at the grassroots. 

"This road, which is about 17.85 kilometres, is just the first phase and we are grateful to President President Tinubu for freeing more money to the subnational and we  promise that we will triple our votes for Mr President in 2027. 

"So those who have done INEC's online registration and have not done physical capturing, go and do it so that you can show to Mr. President that you love him.

"With your support, I will break the jinx of continuity in Ekiti in 2026 . The era of a government spending four years and being sent packing is over, to drive  development, happiness and  prosperity, so that our people can plan for their future".

Speaking for the contractor, Craneburg Construction Company, that prosecuted the project, Mr Elie Adem, branded  the Ring road as a strategic project, not only to connect towns, but to ensure economic development and regional connectivity that attests to purposeful leadership.

Tracing the trajectory of Governor Oyebanji's participation in the epic battle for the creation of Ekiti State in 1996, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti , Oba Rufus  Adeyemo Adejugbe, commended the governor for his shrewd economic policies and said his enigmatic drives have made all the political, religious, market men and women, and youth groups to endorse him for a second term.

"I am not surprised at what you are doing, because you are material prepared for this job long ago. You are humble, kind and generous.We pray for Ekiti to be in peace for you to continue to serve the people. God will help you succeed", the monarch said.