By Peace Erewunmi

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the extension of the tenure of the governing councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions, citing their outstanding performance and the need to sustain ongoing reforms in the state’s higher education sector. The decision is aimed at ensuring continuity, institutional stability, and uninterrupted progress across the affected institutions.

Governor Oyebanji announced the decision while receiving members of the Governing Council of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Dipo Aina, at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti. He said the councils had demonstrated visionary leadership and deserved another term to consolidate the gains already achieved.

The institutions covered by the extension include Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti; Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti; Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti; and Ekiti State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ijero-Ekiti.

According to the governor, retaining the governing councils will promote policy consistency and prevent disruptions to ongoing academic and infrastructural development. He noted that the councils have played significant roles in improving academic standards, strengthening institutional governance, and expanding infrastructure within the tertiary institutions.

Oyebanji stressed that education and human capital development remain key priorities of his administration. He reaffirmed his commitment to providing an enabling environment for state-owned tertiary institutions to thrive through sustained investment, effective governance, and quality leadership.

The governor also explained that, with his current tenure approaching its conclusion, it was important not to interrupt systems that are already delivering positive results. He said continuity in leadership would enable the institutions to build on existing achievements rather than start afresh with new governing councils.

Earlier, Professor Dipo Aina congratulated Governor Oyebanji on his re-election, describing it as a reflection of the confidence Ekiti residents have in his administration. He commended the governor for his consistent support for higher education and noted that BOUESTI had witnessed significant progress under his leadership.

The extension of the governing councils is expected to strengthen stability within the institutions and support the state’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of tertiary education, research, innovation, and infrastructure development across Ekiti State.