FCE Ilawe-Ekiti Matriculates 317 Pioneer Students in Historic Ceremony

History was made in Ilawe-Ekiti on Tuesday as the Federal College of Education (FCE), Ilawe-Ekiti, held its maiden matriculation ceremony, formally admitting 317 pioneer students into the institution.

The colourful event, which took place at the College Auditorium, was presided over by the Provost, Professor Ajigbade Ikuejube, and attended by dignitaries, traditional rulers, education stakeholders, members of the Governing Council, and the College’s Principal Officers.

Among those on the high table were the JAMB State Coordinator in Ekiti, Mr. Kayode Dada; Head of Matriculation, JAMB Ekiti, Mr. Ishola Ganuju; Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Oke, representing the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye; and Mr. Adebayo Rojugbokan, Chairman, Internal Service, Ondo State.

Also present were the College’s management team led by the Provost, alongside the Registrar, Mrs. Khadijah Wuraola Garba; the Bursar, Mrs. Mofolusho Olutayo-David; and the Librarian, Dr. Isah Abdulmumin.

Delivering the keynote lecture on “Teacher Education and Nigeria’s National Development,” renowned scholar and former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Femi Mimiko, described teacher education as the bedrock of national growth and transformation. He charged the matriculants to see themselves as trailblazers in the College’s history, urging them to embrace discipline, resilience, and excellence.

Reflecting on the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on education, Mimiko called on Nigeria to adopt innovation while safeguarding moral values. He further cautioned the students against “destiny-bursting pastimes” that could jeopardize their future.

The Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi (Afuntade I), alongside the Oba of Igede-Ekiti and the Oba of Ikere-Ekiti, graced the occasion, lending cultural significance and offering prayers for the success of the institution and its students.

In his address, Provost Ikuejube congratulated the pioneer students and urged them to uphold discipline, hard work, and moral uprightness. He reiterated the College’s mission of producing competent teachers who will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s educational development.

The highlight of the event was the administration of the matriculation oath, which officially inducted the students into the College community.

Speaking on the significance of the event, the Information Officer of the institution, Temilola Mercy Ajide, described the ceremony as a landmark moment in the history of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, and a bold step in its journey towards academic excellence and nation-building.