Ekiti State, known for its rich heritage and intellectual prowess, is home to several prestigious institutions, including seven federal, state, and private universities, seven polytechnics, and eight colleges of education. The state's emphasis on education is evident in its high literacy rate and academic achievements, such as producing the highest-scoring candidate in the national JAMB examination this year. With a strong foundation in education, Ekiti State is poised to leverage its human capital to drive economic growth and development. The state's history of producing notable figures, including Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, a renowned lawyer, and its current leaders, reflects its commitment to excellence.
The state's leaders have contributed significantly to its development, with Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the first elected civilian governor, establishing the foundation for democratic governance. Subsequent governors have built upon this foundation, shaping the state's current trajectory. Ekiti State's cultural heritage, shaped by its history, including the Kiriji War of 1877 to 1886, has instilled a sense of pride and resilience in its people. The state's unique blend of tradition and modernity is reflected in its iconic hills, which offer majestic beauty, strategic security, and a temperate climate.
To achieve sustainable growth, Ekiti State must focus on three key areas: reliable power, practical vocational skills, and direct connections to industrial supply chains and global markets. The author proposes an immediate, ward-by-ward technical audit to establish local microgrids powered by renewable energy in each of the state's 177 political wards. This initiative, supported by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), can accelerate the state's efforts to provide reliable power and stimulate economic growth.
The future economy will reward practical competence, making vocational education a critical investment for Ekiti State. The state has already established six government technical colleges equipped with modern workshops and apprenticeship pathways. However, to address the demand from hundreds of thousands of youths across the state's sixteen local governments, Ekiti must expand its capacity by modernizing the curriculum and hiring master vocational instructors from nations with elite technical education systems.
Industry partnership is essential to this transition, with major industrial firms participating in curriculum design, deploying engineers to teach, and recruiting directly from technical workshops. The success of this model is evident in the partnership between EKSU civil engineering students and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. When industrial developments like Dangote Refinery recruit certified welders, fitters, and instrumentation technicians from Ekiti Technical Colleges, technical education will be recognized as a promising career path.
The Ekiti Knowledge Zone, conceived under former Governor Kayode Fayemi and being implemented by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, will provide a platform for young people to build technology ventures without leaving Ekiti. The zone will enable them to serve clients globally and bring income back to the state, demonstrating how education can become wealth. The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, which was brought to completion by Governor Oyebanji, is another example of the state's efforts to drive economic growth through infrastructure development.
The state's road networks are also crucial to its economic development, with Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, being a strong advocate for the importance of infrastructure. The continuity in leadership has enabled the state to complete vital projects, such as the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, which was initially conceived by former Governor Engineer Segun Oni and acquired and cleared by former Governor Dr Ayodele Fayose.
Key points
- Ekiti State must focus on reliable power, practical vocational skills, and direct connections to industrial supply chains and global markets to achieve sustainable growth.
