The Vice-Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, Prof. Babatunde Omojola, has stressed the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values and guiding the younger generation.
Omojola said that BOUESTI would continue to seek meaningful partnerships with royal fathers across Ekiti State in order to foster peace, stability and sustainable development within the university community and beyond.
The VC spoke on Saturday when he led the university management on a visit to the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe.
He said, “Individuals or organisations that aspire to succeed in their endeavours must not overlook the prayers, guidance and wise counsel of traditional rulers.”
He said the visit was aimed at seeking the monarch’s blessings for the continued growth and development of the university and soliciting the support of the traditional institution in promoting peace and harmony across Ekiti State.
The VC, who described monarchs as custodians of culture, tradition and moral values, said, “Traditional rulers’ roles in maintaining peace and stability in society cannot be overemphasised.
“Collaboration between universities and traditional institutions has become increasingly important at a time when higher institutions are expected to contribute meaningfully to societal development,” he said.
Omojola lauded Oba Adejugbe, describing him as a highly respected and enlightened royal father whose contributions to the education sector were remarkable.
He commended the monarch for his distinguished leadership in higher education, noting that his service as Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, had helped strengthen the relationship between traditional institutions and the academic community in Nigeria.
In his response, Oba Adejugbe commended the university management for the visit and offered prayers for the continued progress of the institution, assuring the VC of the traditional institution’s support in promoting peace, stability and educational advancement in Ekiti State.
The monarch also urged the BOUESTI management to remain steadfast in its vision of building a reputable institution that would make significant contributions to educational development in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.
BOUESTI management team members in attendance included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Joseph Ekiran; Registrar, Mrs Funmilola Adeusi; Bursar, Babatunde Apata; and the University Librarian, Dr Sowemimo Adekunmisi.
