The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has congratulated students of the Department of Geology for their exceptional performance at the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Challenge Bowl Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Competition, where the University emerged as the first runner-up and secured qualification for the global stage.
Professor Ayodele described the achievement as another remarkable milestone in the University’s quest for academic excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness.
The competition, held on Wednesday, 15th July, 2026, brought together students from universities across 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to compete in geophysics and related geoscience disciplines.
Representing Ekiti State University were Olayioye Idowu Iyanuoluwa and Adeniyi Favour Olaoluwa, whose impressive performance earned the University a second-place finish behind the University of Lagos, with both institutions qualifying to represent the Sub-Saharan African region at the SEG Global Challenge Bowl Competition.
Reacting to the feat, Professor Ayodele commended the students for their brilliance, resilience, and outstanding representation of the University, noting that the achievement is a reflection of EKSU’s unwavering commitment to producing globally competitive graduates.
The Vice Chancellor also lauded the Department of Geology for sustaining a culture of excellence through quality teaching, mentorship, and research, describing the success as evidence of the dedication of both the academic staff and students of the Department.
Professor Ayodele expressed confidence that the University’s representatives would make Nigeria and the African region proud at the forthcoming global competition, urging them to remain focused and continue to uphold the core values of excellence, integrity, and innovation for which EKSU is renowned.
He equally appreciated the Head of the Department of Geology, Professor Aturamu Adeyinka, members of staff, and the student research team for their commitment to academic distinction.
The Vice Chancellor also acknowledged the support of the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation (TOF) for providing state-of-the-art computer systems to the Department, describing the intervention as a significant contribution to teaching, research, and students’ capacity development.
Professor Ayodele noted with pride that the latest accomplishment builds on the University’s impressive outing in the previous edition of the competition, where Team EKSU also distinguished itself on the global stage.
He expressed optimism that the experience gained over the years would further strengthen the team’s performance in the forthcoming global contest.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for teaching, learning, research, and innovation, while continuing to support students to excel in national and international academic competition
