The newly inaugurated Vice-Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere Ekiti, Prof. Babatunde Omojola, has unveiled an ambitious vision to place the young institution among Nigeria’s top 10 universities.
Speaking on Friday during his inauguration as the second substantive Vice-Chancellor, Omojola said his administration would focus on academic excellence, staff welfare and research that directly benefits society.
“My mission is simple,” he said. “To make BOUESTI a world-class institution that meets societal needs and competes with the best universities in Nigeria and beyond.”
He explained his vision with what he called the “10, 100, 1000” roadmap — aiming to position BOUESTI among the top 10 universities in Nigeria, top 100 in Africa and top 1,000 globally by the end of his tenure.
To achieve this, the Vice-Chancellor promised an enabling environment for quality teaching and product-driven research, with emphasis on innovation and wealth creation.
He also pledged to prioritise the welfare of staff and students, improve labour–management relations and immediately set up a committee to promote industrial harmony.
Omojola thanked Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for investing in education and entrusting him with the leadership of the university. He also acknowledged the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Dipo Aina, and the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Victor Adeoluwa, for laying a strong foundation for the institution.
Extending an olive branch to other contestants for the VC position, Omojola called for unity and collective effort. “I look forward to a strong working relationship with staff and students to move BOUESTI forward,” he said.
Earlier, the Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Aina, urged the new VC to lead with integrity, accountability and vision, while praising the immediate past VC, Prof. Adeoluwa, for steering the university from inception to stability.
Omojola, a Professor of Animal Science and former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Ibadan, was appointed late last year following the completion of Adeoluwa’s five-year tenure.
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