The Ekiti State University Medical Students’ Association (EKSUMSA) has presented its award as the Most Outstanding Medical Students’ Association of the Year 2026 to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, during a courtesy visit to the University Management.
The visit, led by the Provost of the EKSU College of Medicine, Professor Deji Ajayi, was aimed at presenting the prestigious national recognition to the Vice-Chancellor and appreciating the University Management for its continued support towards the development and welfare of medical students.
The award, presented by the National Medical Students’ Association of Nigeria (NiMSA), recognises EKSUMSA’s outstanding contributions to student leadership, welfare, academic development, innovation, advocacy and other initiatives aimed at improving the experience and development of medical students.
Speaking during the visit, the President of EKSUMSA, a final-year medical student, Oluwafunmi Benjamin Oluwatobi, commended the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for creating an enabling environment for students to excel.
He noted that the recognition was not only an achievement for EKSUMSA but also a reflection of the support and encouragement received from the University and College leadership.
Benjamin said the association deemed it important to present the award personally to the Vice-Chancellor as a demonstration of appreciation for his support for the students and the College of Medicine.
He said, “This award is a reflection of the support we have received from the University Management. We are here not only to present the award, but also to say thank you to our Vice-Chancellor for believing in us and supporting our efforts.”
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Chancellor of the University, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, the Provost, College of Medicine, Professor Deji Ajayi, members of the College Management, lecturers, staff, alumni and other stakeholders whose efforts have contributed to the growth and achievements of the association.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, congratulated the students and the College of Medicine on the national recognition.
He commended EKSUMSA for distinguishing itself among medical students’ associations across the country and urged the students to see the award as a motivation to do more.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of discipline, hard work, professionalism and service to humanity, noting that medical students must prepare themselves not only to become competent medical practitioners but also responsible leaders and contributors to society.
Professor Ayodele assured the students of the continued commitment of the University Management to initiatives that promote academic excellence, student development and institutional growth.
He also commended the Governor and Visitor of the University, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his unflinching support to the progress of the institution. He thanked the Chancellor, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, the Provost and members of the College of Medicine for their leadership and dedication to the training and development of medical students.
The Vice-Chancellor described the award as a source of pride to the University and encouraged the association to sustain the standard that earned it the national recognition.
The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for the students and the College leadership to intimate the management on the hosting of their forthcoming convention and reaffirm their commitment to further strengthening the culture of excellence at Ekiti State University.
