By Blessing Elo Oghene
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has congratulated the Ekiti State First Lady, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, on her promotion to the rank of professor by the Senate of the University of Ibadan (UI).
Bamidele described the elevation as a recognition of her years of dedication to scholarship, research and the advancement of education.
The promotion, announced by the university on Tuesday, marks a significant milestone in the academic career of the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and has been described by the senator as a source of pride for the state.
In a congratulatory message, Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, said the achievement further reinforced Ekiti State’s reputation for academic excellence and intellectual development.
He noted that the state had consistently contributed to educational advancement, adding that Oyebanji’s elevation would strengthen its standing within Nigeria’s academic community and internationally.
The Senate Leader said attaining the rank of professor required years of hard work, discipline, sacrifice and significant contributions to knowledge through teaching and research.
He stressed that the achievement should be celebrated as a triumph of merit and intellectual commitment rather than viewed through the lens of political affiliation.
Bamidele said, “On behalf of my family and political associates, I congratulate Her Excellency, Professor Olayemi Oyebanji, on this prestigious academic attainment. By every standard, this scholarly elevation has enhanced Ekiti State’s standing in the academic world.
“Promotion to the enviable rank of professor is no mean feat. It represents discipline, sacrifice and sustained contributions to scholarship, intellectual development and the advancement of a nation’s academic standing.”
He also commended the First Lady’s contributions to education, particularly her initiatives supporting scholarship opportunities and providing financial assistance to beneficiaries.
According to him, such interventions have helped individuals overcome educational barriers and access opportunities for intellectual development.
Bamidele described Oyebanji as an embodiment of academic excellence and a worthy example of the transformative power of education.
He added that the recognition of deserving individuals was essential to national development, warning that placing mediocrity above merit could undermine a nation’s progress.
“As an Ekiti indigene, this gladdens my heart, coming from an institution whose academic tradition has continued to bring honour and dignity to our state, Nigeria and the global community,” he said
