History was made in Ilawe-Ekiti, on Tuesday, as the Federal College of Education (FCE), Ilawe-Ekiti, held its maiden matriculation ceremony, admitting 317 pioneer students into the institution.
The colourful event, which took place at the College Auditorium, was presided over by the Provost, Professor Ajigbade Ikuejube, and attended by dignitaries, traditional rulers, education stakeholders, members of the Governing Council, and the College’s Principal Officers.
A statement by Temilola Mercy Ajide, College Information Officer, stated that among those on the high table were the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Ekiti State Coordinator, Mr. Kayode Dada; Head of Matriculation, JAMB Ekiti, Mr. Ishola Ganuju; Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Oke, who represented the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adepter Stephen Aribajoye; and Mr. Adebayo Rojugbokan, Chairman, Internal Service, Ondo State.
Also present were the College’s management team led by the Provost, 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,” renowned scholar and former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Femi Mimiko, described teacher education as the foundation of national growth and transformation.
He urged the matriculants to see themselves as pathfinders in the College’s history and to commit to discipline, resilience, and excellence.
He also reflected on the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on education, calling on Nigeria to embrace innovation while safeguarding moral values.
Mimiko warned the students against “destiny-bursting pastimes” that could derail their future.
Royal fathers, including the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi (Afuntade I), the Oba of Igede-Ekiti, and the Oba of Ikere-Ekiti, added cultural significance to the occasion, offering prayers for the success of the institution and its students.
In his address, the Provost, Prof. Ikuejube congratulated the new students and tasked them with upholding discipline, hard work, and moral uprightness.
He reiterated the College’s mission of raising competent teachers who will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s educational development.
The climax of the event was the administration of the matriculation oath, which formally admitted the students into the College community.
Observers described the ceremony as a landmark in the history of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, and a bold step in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and nation-building.
