Ladi Adebutu Calls For Increased Budgetary Allocation For Education, Bags Honorary Degree

On Saturday 1st April, 2017, time stood still in the ancient city of Ado Ekiti as over 15,000 persons thronged the venue of the Ekiti State University 22nd Convocation Ceremonies to  witness the historic moment as Honourable Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu, Chairman, House Committee on Rural Development, was conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A) Honoris Causa by Ekiti State University, Ekiti State.

The conferment event, which took place at the University Auditorium, Ado Ekiti, was a major highpoint of the 22nd convocation ceremony of the university.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Samuel Bandele said the conferment of the degree on the man who has embraced service to humanity as his heritage was in recognition of his "unceasing dedication to the betterment of human race."

Speaking in the same vein, the Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency, Ayodele Fayose described Hon. Ladi Adebutu as a humanist per excellence and prayed for his success in his aspirations.

In his response, Hon (Dr) Ladi Adebutu said that he had received many awards all over but that he felt most honoured by this recognition.

Raising concerns about the parlous state of education in Nigeria, Adebutu called on the federal and state governments to increase the budgetary allocation to education, saying that would go a long way in rescucitating the moribund sector. Speaking further, he opined that a new policy roadmap and a complete overhaul of the education system must be of significant consideration if Nigeria was to take its right spot in the comity of Nations.

Other awardees included former Governor of Central Bank and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, who was conferred with Doctor of Finance (D.F) Honoris Causa. He was ably represented by the former governor of Kano State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau.

The Governor of Gombe State, His Excellency, Alhaji Dakwambo, was also conferred with Doctor of Management (D.M) Honoris Causa while the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi was conferred with Doctor of Management (D.M) Honoris Causa.

Instructively, Hon. (Dr) Ladi Adebutu is the first Ogun State indigene to be so honoured by the university.