Gov Oyebanji Increases Subventions To Ekiti State Owned Higher Institutions

By Ayodele Oni

Three state owned higher institutions in Ekiti state can now heave a sigh of relief as government approved upward review of their subvention.

This is coming as the affected institutions are battling with rise in overhead costs which has led to inability to meet their commitment such as payment of salaries.

Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji,  approved a major increase in the subvention to all state- owned higher institutions in the State.

Government explained that this is being done in recognition of the role played by these higher institutions in the State’s development, and in fulfillment of the Governor’s promise to prioritize higher education and ensure Ekiti maintains its pride of place as the education capital of Nigeria.

With this increase,  announced on Monday by the special adviser to the governor on media, Yinka Oyebode, the higher institutions now have their subventions  increased  as follows:

“Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH): From N261 million to N411 million; Ekiti State University (EKSU): From N260 million to N410 million.

“Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere – Ekiti (BOUESTI): From N175.8 million to N275.8 million;  Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan: From N45 million to N95 million and Ekiti State College of Health Science and Technology, Ijero. From N26 million to N76 million.”

The statement added that “With these increases, the total subvention to higher institutions  in the state has increased from N767.8 million per month to N1.27 billion.

“Since his inauguration, Governor Oyebanji has also approved the payment of one month of outstanding subvention to all tertiary institutions which has since been paid.

‘He has also directed that the Independent Power Plant (IPP)  be extended to both EKSU and EKSUTH, ensuring both institutions have 24-hour power supply.

“These financial, infrastructure and governance interventions are part of the strategic effort by the Government to ensure that the state’s higher institutions are best in class, and deliver the type of education required to prepare our young people for opportunities in the 21st century.”

The Federation of Ekiti State Students Union (FESSU) has expressed appreciation to the  State Government on decision to increase the subvention allocated to state-owned higher institutions.

According to the students body, the increases in subventions signal a significant stride in fortifying the financial stability and operational capacity of these institutions.

National president of FESSU, Abel Adewale in a statement, stated that “FESSU acknowledges the positive impact this decision will have on the quality of education and overall academic experience for students schooling in Ekiti State owned higher institutions.

“Governor Oyebanji’s unwavering support for the education sector marks him as a true lover of education, and FESSU applauds his dedication to providing an enabling environment for academic excellence.

“FESSU remains committed to collaborating with the Ekiti State Government to advance the cause of education and contribute to the overall development of the state.”