The Vice Chancellor of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (EAUED), Oyo, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, on Monday explained the rationale behind the planned convocation for 47,623 Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) graduates, describing it as a moral obligation and a defining step in the institution’s transition from a College of Education to a full-fledged university.
Olaniyan spoke while briefing journalists ahead of the university’s third Foundation Day anniversary, which will climax on December 16, 2025, with the expected attendance of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; and other dignitaries.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the convocation will cater for NCE graduates who completed their programmes between 2005 and 2025 but never participated in a graduation ceremony due to a prolonged hiatus in convocations at the former College of Education.
“We owe these graduates a moral debt. The last convocation held on this campus was for those who graduated in 2005 and earlier. For over two decades, thousands completed their programmes without the joy and recognition of a graduation ceremony. This convocation is meant to redeem that debt,” Olaniyan said.
He explained that a total of 47,623 graduates from the 2005/2006 to the 2024/2025 academic sessions are expected to be covered in what he described as a historic 21-year convocation exercise.
“This ceremony will also mark our clean and symbolic transition from a College of Education to a university. We must close that chapter properly so that we can move forward without looking back,” he added.
While addressing other issues, the Vice-Chancellor renewed his appeal to the Federal Government to urgently construct a pedestrian bridge on the Oyo–Ogbomoso Expressway, describing the highway as a major welfare and security threat to students.
“Every day, thousands of our students cross this expressway without a pedestrian bridge. It is a serious safety concern. We are appealing to the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritise the construction of a pedestrian bridge directly in front of the university,” he said.
Olaniyan also disclosed that the university has become the single largest contributor to the economy of Oyo town, injecting an estimated ₦11.2 billion into the local economy between January and November 2025 through housing, transportation, banking, commerce and informal trade.
Tracing the institution’s growth, he recalled that Emmanuel Alayande College of Education was upgraded to a University of Education on December 16, 2023, following the passage of an enabling law by the Oyo State House of Assembly and approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Despite commencing full operations in August 2023, the Vice-Chancellor said the university has secured approval for 50 academic programmes and admitted 9,620 students across three academic sessions, making it one of the fastest-growing universities in the country.
He further disclosed that during the 2023/2024 promotion exercise, 47 academic staff were elevated to the professorial cadre, alongside 86 other lecturers, 116 senior non-academic staff and 30 junior staff.
While acknowledging funding and infrastructure challenges, Olaniyan commended the Oyo State Government for its support, including a ₦1 billion takeover fund, construction of access roads and a health centre. He, however, stressed the need for additional facilities such as a Senate building and more faculty blocks to cope with rising enrolment.
“Emmanuel Alayande University of Education is steadily reclaiming its place as the heartbeat of Oyo town,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
