By: Odeh Favour
The All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State, the State Universal Basic Education Board, and the Vice-Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Prof. Babatunde Omojola, have congratulated the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Olayemi Oyebanji, on her elevation to the rank of professor by the University of Ibadan.
The APC, in a statement on Tuesday issued by the state Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, described the achievement as a monumental feat for the entire state.
“Dr Oyebanji’s ascension to the peak of her academic career is not just a personal milestone, but a collective pride for Ekiti State,” the party stated.
“It affirms what we have always known her for – diligence, discipline, humility and an unquenchable passion for excellence, whether in the classroom, in public service, or in her compassionate interventions for women, children and the vulnerable through her pet projects,” the statement added.
The ruling party noted that the milestone serves as a testament to hard work and continuous commitment to research and education.
“The recognition underscores the importance of dedication, intellectual rigour and sustained contributions to knowledge in the pursuit of academic excellence,” the APC said.
“This is cheering news and a well-deserved recognition of years of dedication, intellectual rigour, scholarly excellence and impactful contributions to knowledge and humanity,” it stated.
Expressing immense pride in her ability to balance state functions with scholarship, the party praised her as a role model for women across the state.
“We are particularly proud that the First Lady has combined the demanding duties of her office with an unbroken commitment to academic growth. She has shown Ekiti women and youths that it is possible to excel in public life without abandoning intellectual pursuit,” the statement read.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of BOUESTI, Prof. Babatunde Omojola, in a statement signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Temitope Akinbisoye, lauded the First Lady’s commitment to scholarship.
He described the prestigious academic achievement as “a remarkable milestone that reflects Prof Oyebanji’s commitment to scholarship, professional excellence and the advancement of education.”
The Vice-Chancellor noted that her elevation “represents a significant accomplishment in her academic journey and serves as an inspiration to academics, particularly women striving for excellence in teaching, research and community development.”
Omojola, while hailing Prof.
Oyebanji for the notable accomplishment, expressed confidence that her elevation would further strengthen her contributions to educational development and the advancement of scholarship in Nigeria.
In his reaction, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Femi Akinwumi, described the promotion to the rank of professor as “a well-deserved recognition of her diligence, dedication to scholarship and unwavering commitment to serving humanity.”
The SUBEB boss, in a congratulatory message, singled out the willingness of the governor’s wife “to deliver lectures pro bono,” adding that it reflected her passion for knowledge, commitment to mentorship, and desire to advance society.
“Your elevation is not only a personal milestone, but also a source of inspiration to academics, students, and the people of Ekiti State,” the SUBEB boss said.
Akinwumi also prayed that God would continue to bless the First Lady with sound health, peace of mind, renewed strength, and many more fruitful years of service to humanity.
The governor’s wife holds a PhD in Educational Management and lectures in the Department of Educational Management, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan.
