Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the retention of the governing councils of all State Owned Tertiary Institutions for another term, citing their strong performance in repositioning higher education across the state.

The affected Institutions are Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti; Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti; Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti; and Ekiti State College of Health Science and Technology, Ijero Ekiti.

Oyebanji disclosed the decision in Ado Ekiti on Monday while receiving members of the Governing Council of BOUESTI, led by its Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Patrick Aina. He explained that the move was aimed at sustaining stability, strengthening institutional governance, and consolidating gains recorded across the education sector, adding that it would ensure continuity, policy consistency, and sustained progress in the administration of Tertiary Institutions statewide.

The Governor commended the councils' performance, noting that their visionary leadership, experience, and dedication had significantly improved academic standards and infrastructure development within the institutions. Although his first term concludes in October, he stressed the importance of preserving initiatives and governance structures that had produced positive outcomes, remarking that retaining the councils would strengthen governance and prevent disruption to ongoing developmental momentum.

"I am retaining all the governing councils of our Institutions. I need to say this so that people don't start winding down. I am retaining all of them, BOUESTI, EKSU, Isan Poly, and College of Health Science and Technology, Ijero," Oyebanji said, instructing the Secretary to the State Government to exclude the councils from any winding down announcements.

He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to providing an enabling environment for Tertiary Institutions to thrive, describing education and human capital development as top government priorities.

Responding, Aina congratulated the Governor on his reelection, calling it a clear affirmation of public trust in his leadership, and noted that BOUESTI had recorded significant growth under his administration.

Also present at the meeting were the SSG, Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye; Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode; and BOUESTI's Vice Chancellor, Prof Babatunde Omojola.