Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, Chancellor of Ekiti State University, has called on the Ekiti State government to leverage its intellectual capital to drive economic growth and development. He made this appeal while delivering the lead paper, “The Path to Ekiti’s Greatness: Opportunities, Choices, and Imperatives for the Next 30 Years,” at the Ekiti at 30 Future Summit in Ado-Ekiti. The summit aimed to chart a course for Ekiti State's future development.
Dr. Olowolafe identified reliable power, practical vocational skills, and direct connections to industrial supply chains and global markets as critical to Ekiti State's next phase of development. He proposed a ward-by-ward technical audit of the state’s 177 wards to establish renewable energy microgrids. These microgrids would power essential infrastructure such as schools, health centres, workshops, and small businesses, thereby driving economic growth.
To enhance vocational skills, Dr. Olowolafe advocated expanding the six technical colleges in Ekiti State. He suggested modernising their curricula and recruiting international vocational experts from countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Canada, and South Africa. This, he believes, would equip students with the skills needed to compete in the global economy.
Dr. Olowolafe commended successive administrations for initiatives such as the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and the Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport. He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele for the Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole federal road. These projects, he noted, have contributed to the state's development.
The Tunji Olowolafe Foundation has been actively involved in various interventions in Ekiti State. These include the establishment of the Gbemisola Olowolafe Memorial Community Secondary School in Are-Ekiti, which has grown from 100 students in 2025 to over 170. The foundation has also established the GOMTECH ICT Centre. At Ekiti State University, the foundation has supported initiatives such as Project Digi-Teach and the Trading Room diploma programme.
Dr. Olowolafe cited cocoa production as an example of an area where Ekiti State can add value. He suggested developing solar-powered dryers and processing cocoa into chocolate locally. This, he believes, would create jobs and increase the state's revenue. Additionally, his foundation will support Ekiti State University’s Geology Department with equipment, connectivity, and international partnerships.
The Tunji Olowolafe Foundation has pledged three major commitments to support Ekiti State's development. These include upgrading ICT centres in the six technical colleges, recruiting international vocational experts, and helping transform Ekiti State University’s Geology Department into Africa’s best within five years. These initiatives aim to drive economic growth and sustainable development in Ekiti State.
Key points
- Dr. Tunji Olowolafe challenges Ekiti State government to transform intellectual capital into industrial growth.
- Proposed ward-by-ward technical audit to establish renewable energy microgrids.
- Foundation pledges to upgrade ICT centres, recruit vocational experts, and support Geology Department.
