Federal College of Education Ilawe Ekiti Holds First Matriculation for 317 Pioneer Students
The Federal College of Education, Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Wednesday formally matriculated 317 pioneer students, marking the beginning of academic activities in the newly established institution. The historic ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, and education stakeholders.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Teacher Education and Nigeria’s National Development,” former Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Femi Mimiko, urged the students to avoid distractions and “destiny-bursting pastimes” that could derail their academic journey. He stressed that teacher education forms the bedrock of national growth and transformation.
Mimiko further highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping education globally, noting that Nigeria must embrace innovation while safeguarding moral values. He encouraged the new students to see themselves as part of a generation responsible for transforming the country’s education sector.
The Provost of the College, Prof. Ajigbade Ikuejube, congratulated the matriculating students and charged them to uphold discipline, hard work, and moral integrity throughout their studies. He reiterated that the college was established to produce competent teachers who will make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s educational development.
Registrar of the institution, Mrs. Wuraola Garba, administered the matriculation oath, formally admitting the pioneer students into the college. The event also drew the presence of the JAMB State Coordinator, Mr. Kayode Dada; the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, represented by Hon. Babatunde Oke; and other dignitaries.
In his goodwill message, the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti and former Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adebanji Alabi, praised the Federal Government for establishing the college. He noted that the institution has already created job opportunities and expanded access to higher education for many young Nigerians. The monarch advised the students to shun cultism, drug abuse, and other unwholesome practices, while focusing on their studies.
Oba Alabi also commended prominent indigenes of Ilawe Ekiti for supporting the institution, citing recent donations such as solar-powered electricity for administrative offices and a police station to enhance security in the community. He assured the college management and students that the host community would continue to provide a conducive environment for learning and growth.
The ceremony was also attended by the Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado; and the Onigede of Igede Ekiti, Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru, among others. Their presence underscored the importance of the college to the development of Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.
