The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Professor Babatola Ayodele, has assured students of his administration’s commitment to improving living conditions and academic experiences on campus. In his latest address, the VC disclosed that steps are already being taken to tackle the twin challenges of inadequate hostel facilities and irregular power supply that have plagued the institution for years.
According to him, one of the major priorities of his administration is to address the accommodation deficit faced by students. He explained that a large proportion of EKSU students are currently residing off-campus, often in substandard and expensive lodgings, which not only affects their comfort but also poses security risks.
Professor Ayodele announced that renovation work has already commenced on the long-abandoned hostel facility situated at the school gate. He stressed that reviving the structure will provide additional space for student accommodation, thereby reducing the pressure on available hostels and cutting down the high demand for off-campus housing.
The VC further revealed that his administration is working in close collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to construct larger and more modern hostel complexes within the university premises. According to him, this partnership, once finalized, will ensure that more EKSU students become “EKSUITES,” fully integrated into campus life, with access to improved facilities that support both learning and personal development.
He reiterated that adequate accommodation plays a vital role in the overall academic performance and social wellbeing of students. By expanding hostel capacity, his administration hopes to foster a stronger sense of community among undergraduates and reduce the distractions and stress associated with off-campus living.
On the issue of electricity, Professor Ayodele admitted that the lack of steady power supply has been a long-standing challenge in the school area. He, however, assured students and staff that efforts are ongoing to restore power in a sustainable manner. According to him, discussions are already in progress with relevant stakeholders and utility providers to achieve a long-term solution that will serve both the university and its host community.
The VC emphasized that once the power restoration plans are fully concluded, proper communication will be made to the university community. He urged students and staff to exercise patience as his administration finalizes the necessary processes, noting that stable electricity is critical not only for academic activities but also for research, business, and day-to-day campus operations.
In addition to infrastructure development, Professor Ayodele charged Heads of Departments (HODs) across faculties to speed up the processing of students’ results. He highlighted that timely release of results is an essential academic responsibility and part of the wider reforms being pursued to ensure that EKSU remains a competitive and reputable institution of higher learning.
The VC’s remarks reflect a broader vision of repositioning EKSU as a student-centered university where academic excellence is matched with improved welfare and living conditions. His plans, if realized, could significantly ease the challenges faced by students and further cement EKSU’s status as one of Nigeria’s leading state universities.
For many students, the renovation of the hostel and the anticipated construction of larger residential facilities through TETFund represent a welcome development. Similarly, the efforts to restore electricity within the school area signal renewed hope for a more conducive academic environment. With these interventions, Professor Ayodele’s administration is set to leave a lasting impact on the university community.
