Makinde Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening EAUED as University Closes NCE Era
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his administration’s resolve to deepen academic standards, improve teacher training and consolidate institutional growth at the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (EAUED), Oyo.
The governor made the commitment during the institution’s third Foundation Day celebration, which coincided with a convocation ceremony for 20 sets of Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) graduates produced by the former Emmanuel Alayande College of Education.
The ceremony marked a significant transition for the institution, as it formally brought the NCE programme to an end, confirming EAUED’s full status as a university.
The event also reflected on the school’s journey so far while projecting its aspirations for innovation, academic excellence and sustainable development.
Makinde, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi, described the occasion as “not merely a celebration of institutional heritage, but of purpose, progress, and people.”
He said the institution had, over several decades, contributed immensely to human capital development in Oyo State and beyond by producing educators who impact society from the classroom.
The governor commended the university’s emphasis on inclusive access to education and congratulated the graduating NCE students, whose academic pursuits spanned between 2005 and 2025, for their perseverance and dedication.
“They have distinguished themselves in classrooms, communities, public service, and enterprise, demonstrating that teachers are not merely instructors but architects of the future,” he said.
Makinde attributed the institution’s growth to sustained investment in education by the state government, stressing that quality teacher education is remains central to societal development.
“When teachers are well trained, well supported, and well motivated, society as a whole prospers,” he added.
The convocation drew dignitaries from Nnate across the country, including the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, represented by Prince Adedokun Adediwura; vice-chancellors of various universities; senior government officials; political leaders; and traditional rulers.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of EAUED, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, outlined the university’s rapid expansion, disclosing that student enrolment increased from 2,726 to 3,860 within two academic sessions, with female students making up 58 per cent of the population.
He announced new academic and cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening the institution’s identity and relevance. These include the establishment of a Directorate of Yoruba Language Efficiency, the introduction of a compulsory General Studies course on Yoruba language and culture, and plans for the Alaafin Institute of Yoruba Studies, expected to commence in 2026.
Other proposed developments include a Faculty of Health Science Education, Open and Distance Learning programmes, and expanded Computing Science Education offerings.
Speaking on the significance of the ceremony, Ayoade Olayiwola Ogunkunle described the convocation as a moment that closed long-standing academic obligations while renewing the university’s mission.
He praised the Oyo State Government for ensuring a seamless transition from college to university status and appealed for the construction of a pedestrian bridge along the Oyo–Ogbomoso Expressway to enhance student safety.
The event also featured a lecture delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of Dominion University, Ibadan, Prof. Abel Olorunnisola, who spoke on the theme, “Teacherpreneurship: Bridging the Classroom and Entrepreneurship – Monetising your Expertise and Igniting Education Innovation.”
Olorunnisola encouraged educators to leverage their knowledge through digital products, online courses, consultancy services and other innovative ventures.
“The teacher is a professional by virtue of his training. Without teachers, there are no professionals,” the engineering professor said, noting that selfless service, competence and innovation are essential for teachers seeking lasting impact.
