The Vice-Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere Ekiti, Prof. Babatunde Omojola, has highlighted the essential role traditional rulers play in shaping societal values and guiding younger generations.
Omojola stated that BOUESTI would continue to pursue meaningful partnerships with royal fathers across Ekiti State to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development within the university community and beyond.
The VC made the remarks on Saturday while leading 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.”
The visit was intended to seek the monarch’s blessings for the ongoing growth and development of the university, as well as to gain the traditional institution’s support in fostering peace and harmony across Ekiti State.
Describing monarchs as custodians of culture, tradition, and moral values, the VC added, “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.”
Omojola also praised Oba Adejugbe as a highly respected and enlightened royal father whose contributions to education are significant. He acknowledged the monarch’s leadership in higher education, noting that his tenure as Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, strengthened ties between traditional institutions and the academic community in Nigeria.
In response, Oba Adejugbe commended the university management for their visit, offered prayers for the institution’s progress, and assured the VC of the traditional institution’s support in advancing peace, stability, and education in Ekiti State.
The monarch encouraged BOUESTI’s management to remain committed to its vision of building a reputable institution that would make meaningful contributions to educational development in Ekiti State and across Nigeria.
Members of the BOUESTI management team present included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Joseph Ekiran; Registrar, Mrs Funmilola Adeusi; Bursar, Babatunde Apata; and University Librarian, Dr Sowemimo Adekunmisi.