‘He was on scholarship’ — EKSU reacts to backlash over VC son’s graduation from UK varsity

The Ekiti State University (EKSU) has reacted to the backlash trailing the graduation of Temilorun, the son of Edward Olanipekun, from the University of Oxford.

Earlier, photos of the VC attending the graduation ceremony of Temilorun in the UK had provoked criticism on social media platforms.

The existing pattern of studying overseas by children of the privileged few in Nigeria also raised questions as to whether VCs and university leaders had also lost faith in Nigeria’s education system.

But in a statement signed by Bode Olofinmuagun, EKSU’s spokesperson, the varsity clarified that the VC still believes in “the Nigeria project”.

The statement also said the VC’s son opted for the UK varsity after he won a scholarship to study at Oxford.

“It is, however, apposite to make it abundantly clear that the vice-chancellor strongly believes in the Nigerian project, in general, and EKSU, in particular,” the statement read.

“As a comrade, he does not believe in either medical or educational tourism, common among some privileged few. The graduand had his first degree from a Nigerian university and graduated with first-class honours.

“Consequently, he won a fully sponsored (highly competitive) scholarship to embark on his Master’s degree programme at Oxford University.

“The scholarship incorporated accommodation, tuition, feeding, and other expenses. Indeed, there was no way his father could have discouraged him from studying at the prestigious Oxford University.

“As a matter of fact, the graduand only informed his father after receiving the letter conveying the scholarship award.

“This clarification becomes imperative with a view to correcting the misgivings by some mischief makers in certain quarters, particularly on the social media.”