History was made on Tuesday in Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti South West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, 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, held at the college auditorium, was presided over by the Provost, Professor Ajigbade Ikuejube, and attended by a host of dignitaries, including traditional rulers, government officials, education stakeholders, members of the governing council, and principal officers of the college.
According to a statement issued by the college’s Information Officer, Temilola Mercy Ajide, guests at the high table included the Ekiti State Coordinator of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mr Kayode Dada; Head of Matriculation, JAMB Ekiti, Mr Ishola Ganuju; Chairman of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon Babatunde Oke, who represented the Speaker, Rt Hon Adepeter Stephen Aribajoye; and Mr Adebayo Rojugbokan, Chairman, Internal Service, Ondo State.
Also present were members of the college’s top management, including the Registrar, Mrs Khadijah Wuraola Garba; the Bursar, Mrs Mofolusho Olutayo David; and the Librarian, Dr Isah Abdulmumin.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Teacher Education and Nigeria’s National Development,” eminent scholar and former Vice Chancellor, Professor Femi Mimiko, described teacher education as the bedrock of national transformation.
“Teacher education is not just about training instructors; it is about laying the foundation for national growth and development,” Mimiko said.
He urged the newly admitted students to consider themselves torchbearers in the history of the young institution and to embrace discipline, resilience, and a strong commitment to excellence.
Touching on the evolving landscape of education, the former VC noted the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and underscored the need for technological adaptation that does not compromise moral values.
“Nigeria must embrace innovation while safeguarding its core ethical principles,” he said, warning students against indulging in “destiny-bursting pastimes” that could derail their future.
Traditional rulers, led by the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi (Afuntade I), along with the Oba of Igede Ekiti and the Oba of Ikere Ekiti, added cultural colour to the event. They offered prayers for the growth of the institution and the success of its students.
In his address, the Provost, Prof Ikuejube, congratulated the matriculating students and reminded them of the core values of the college.
“You are here to build yourselves intellectually and morally. You must uphold discipline, hard work, and integrity,” he said.
He reaffirmed the institution’s mission to produce professionally trained, competent teachers who will contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria’s education sector.
The highlight of the event was the administration of the matriculation oath, formally inducting the students into the academic community.
Observers hailed the ceremony as a landmark moment in the history of the Federal College of Education Ilawe Ekiti and a significant stride in its journey toward academic excellence and national development.
