Overview and History of Ekiti State University (EKSU)

 
Ekiti State University (EKSU) is one of the leading public universities in Nigeria, renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to providing quality higher education to students in the country and beyond. Located in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, EKSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, social sciences, and health sciences. Over the years, EKSU has established itself as a reputable institution with a rich academic history and a vibrant campus community.

In this blog post, we will explore the history, growth, and contributions of Ekiti State University, including the leadership that has guided the institution through its evolution. We will also take a closer look at the university’s current vice-chancellor and their contributions to the university’s development.

##History of Ekiti State University (EKSU)
Ekiti State University was established in 1982 as University of Ado-Ekiti, following the creation of Ekiti State in 1996. The institution initially started as a campus of the then Ondo State University, but after the formation of Ekiti State, it was upgraded to a full-fledged state university to meet the educational needs of the region.

The founding of EKSU was aimed at providing accessible, high-quality education to the people of Ekiti State and neighboring regions. The university was established at a time when the need for institutions of higher learning in Nigeria was on the rise, particularly in the southwestern region. The vision of the university’s founding leadership was to create an academic institution that would not only offer robust academic programs but also contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of the state and the nation at large.

EKSU officially commenced its academic programs in 1983, and over the years, it has grown to become a respected institution known for its academic rigor and research output. Initially offering courses in the arts and social sciences, the university quickly expanded its academic portfolio to include the sciences, health sciences, engineering, and other fields, thus broadening its impact and appeal.

As of today, EKSU operates several faculties, including:

1. Faculty of Arts

2. Faculty of Education

3. Faculty of Social Sciences

4. Faculty of Science

5. Faculty of Law

6. Faculty of Engineering

7. Faculty of Health Sciences

8. Faculty of Agricultural Sciences

Each of these faculties offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to meet the academic and professional needs of the university's diverse student body.

##Growth and Development of EKSU
Over the years, Ekiti State University has made significant strides in terms of infrastructure, academic development, and research. The university has continually expanded its academic programs to stay relevant in the ever-changing landscape of higher education. The university's physical infrastructure, including lecture halls, hostels, libraries, and research facilities, has also improved to cater to the growing student population.

In recent years, EKSU has placed emphasis on embracing modern technology in its academic and administrative processes. The university has invested in e-learning platforms, digital libraries, and research collaborations with other institutions, both locally and internationally. These initiatives have contributed to enhancing the overall quality of education and ensuring that EKSU graduates are well-equipped to face the challenges of the modern world.

##The Leadership of Ekiti State University
Ekiti State University has been led by a series of distinguished Vice-Chancellors, each of whom has made significant contributions to the growth and development of the university. The leadership of the Vice-Chancellor is critical in shaping the academic direction and overall progress of the institution, and EKSU has been fortunate to have a number of accomplished academics and administrators serve in this capacity.

##Current Vice-Chancellor
As of February 2025, the Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University is Professor Edward Olanipekun. Appointed in 2020, he has brought a wealth of experience and dedication to the role, working to propel the university to greater heights.

Biography of Professor Edward Olanipekun:
Professor Edward Olanipekun is a distinguished academic with a background in Law. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from University of Lagos, and he earned a Master's degree in International Law from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife. He also obtained his Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Law from University of Ibadan. His academic career has been complemented by years of service in various teaching and administrative positions within Nigerian universities.

Before his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of EKSU, Professor Olanipekun held several significant positions, including:

Dean of the Faculty of Law at EKSU

Director of the University’s Institute of African and Diaspora Studies

Professor of Law, specializing in International and Comparative Law


His scholarship and contributions to legal education in Nigeria have earned him recognition within the academic community. His tenure as Vice-Chancellor has been marked by a clear vision to transform EKSU into a globally competitive institution, with a focus on improving academic standards, expanding research activities, and ensuring that students are well-prepared for the job market.

As Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olanipekun has worked to foster a more conducive learning environment by promoting faculty development, increasing student engagement, and enhancing the university’s infrastructure. He has also focused on expanding EKSU’s global partnerships and collaborations, aiming to position the university as a leading institution in the African continent.