Excitement as EKSU VC, Professor Ayodele, Celebrates First Anniversary in Grand Style

A mammoth crowd converged at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lifegate Cathedral Parish, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Sunday for a thanksgiving service to celebrate the first anniversary of Professor Joseph Ayodele as the Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU).

The anniversary, which marked the first year of his five-year tenure, was attended by family members, friends, teaching and non-teaching staff, students, unions, alumni, and well-wishers.

Addressing the congregation, Professor Ayodele appreciated God for the grace to lead and improve the university in the areas of infrastructure, teaching, learning, research, and welfare of students and staff.

The vice chancellor commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his role in his emergence as VC and for the continuous support that has repositioned the institution. He also expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Professor Edward Olanipekun, for mentoring him before handing over the baton of leadership.

Ayodele reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising staff and student welfare, while urging unions, management, and stakeholders to sustain their support for the advancement of EKSU in infrastructure and academic excellence.

“First, I want to thank God once again for sparing our lives and for His continuous help to this university. The past year has been glorious because we received the support of the Almighty God. The little we have been able to achieve in infrastructure, teaching, learning, research, and welfare can only be attributed to His grace,” Ayodele said.

He listed achievements and outlined plans for the future, including the construction of a befitting Law building, Pharmacy building, MLS building, and BDS building, alongside renovation of old structures and expansion of facilities to accommodate rising enrolment. He assured that preparations are ongoing to establish a Law programme in compliance with the Law Council of Nigeria’s requirements.

The VC added: “This is just the first leg of my five-year tenure. With God’s help and with the support of the wonderful people of Ekiti State under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, I believe we will achieve our goals. By this time next year, we will gather again to thank God for what He has done.”

In his sermon titled “Life is a Stage”, Pastor Tunde Adelusi, who represented Pastor Tunde Abdullahi, lauded the vice chancellor for his giant strides. He noted that Professor Ayodele’s vision and dedication had repositioned EKSU among the nation’s leading citadels of learning.

Drawing from Psalm 18:35, Genesis 11:27, and James 1:3, the cleric urged the VC to remain steadfast, extend a helping hand to those in need, and continue measures that will put EKSU on the map of global excellence.