Ekiti State University Imposes Sanctions on Professor for Alleged Plagiarism
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Professor Edward Olanipekun, has revealed that the institution has taken disciplinary action against a professor for alleged plagiarism.
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Speaking during the university’s convocation ceremony on Thursday, Professor Olanipekun affirmed the institution's stance on the matter, emphasizing that the decision to sanction the professor is aimed at setting a precedent and deterring others from engaging in similar misconduct.
At the 28th convocation ceremony, former Minister of Health and Social Science, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, was honored with an Honourary Doctorate Degree of Law by the university. A total of 155 students from the College of Postgraduate Studies, comprising 73 Ph.D., 81 Masters students, and 1 Post Graduate Diploma student, graduated during the event.
Regarding the case of plagiarism, Professor Olanipekun detailed, "The professor in question allegedly altered the authorship of a paper he co-authored with a colleague. Subsequently, he replaced his colleague's name with that of his wife and submitted the paper to another journal."
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The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the disciplinary measures against the professor will remain in effect even after his tenure expires in August.
Despite the professor's objections to the sanctions, Professor Olanipekun reaffirmed the university's commitment to upholding academic integrity and ensuring the credibility of scholarly publications.
In his acceptance speech for the honorary degree, Adelusi-Adeluyi expressed gratitude to the school management and used the opportunity to urge the state government to prioritize the operationalization of the Ekiti Airport.
Highlighting the potential benefits of an operational airport in Ekiti State, Adelusi-Adeluyi stated, "Ekiti lacks an airport despite being a well-endowed state. The governor, Biodun Oyebanji, should prioritize the establishment of the airport, as its functionality would facilitate networking, business opportunities, and attract investments to the state."
The call for the operationalization of the Ekiti Airport underscores the importance of infrastructure development in fostering economic growth and connectivity within the region.
