It is a moment of immense pride for the Ekiti State University community as the Ekiti State University Medical Students’ Association (EKSUMSA) has been named Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Medical Student Association of the Year 2026 by the National Medical Students’ Association of Nigeria (NiMSA).
The prestigious recognition, presented under the Outstanding MSA of the Year category, is a national endorsement of EKSUMSA’s exceptional leadership, impactful programmes, student focused welfare initiatives, academic development, innovation, advocacy and contributions to the growth of medical students.
What makes the recognition particularly significant is the scale of the platform on which it was achieved. With about 106 Colleges of Medicine and medical schools represented within the national medical students’ community, EKSUMSA emerged as the medical school that stood out among its peers — an achievement that has firmly placed EKSU on the national map of excellence in medical student leadership.
Reacting to the honour, the President of EKSUMSA, a final year medical student, Oluwafunmi Benjamin Oluwatobi, described the award as a victory not just for EKSU Medical School, but for the entire EKSU community.
“This award belongs to all of us. EKSUMSA may be the association receiving the award, but the foundation for this achievement has been built by the support, guidance and commitment of our government, University Management, College of Medicine, lecturers, staff, students, alumni and partners.”
He expressed particular appreciation to the Ekiti State Government, led by His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for its continued commitment to education and healthcare, noting that the administration’s investment in the educational sector and support for tertiary institutions have contributed to creating an environment where students can pursue excellence.
Benjamin also reserved special commendation for the Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, describing his leadership, vision and commitment to the advancement of the University as an important part of the broader culture of excellence being cultivated at EKSU.
According to Benjamin, the Chancellor’s contribution to the growth and visibility of the University extends beyond infrastructure and institutional development, but also reflects a broader belief in the potential of young people and the importance of giving students the platform to dream bigger, develop their capacities and contribute meaningfully to society.
He noted that the recognition of EKSUMSA on a national platform is, in many ways, a reflection of the kind of institution the University is becoming under visionary leadership.
“I particularly want to appreciate our Chancellor, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, for his commitment to the growth and advancement of Ekiti State University. His vision for an EKSU that can compete, excel and command respect nationally is one that inspires us as students. It means a lot to know that the leadership of our University believes in the capacity of its students and continues to create an environment where young people can pursue excellence.”
He further commended the Chancellor for his commitment to strengthening the University’s reputation, fostering institutional development and supporting initiatives that position EKSU as an institution capable of producing not only academically sound graduates, but also confident, innovative and socially responsible leaders.
Benjamin also appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, for providing leadership focused on academic excellence, institutional development and a conducive environment for students to thrive.
He equally acknowledged the Provost of the EKSU College of Medicine, Professor Ajayi Akande Oladimeji, alongside the College’s management, lecturers and staff, for their dedication to medical education, mentorship, clinical training and the continuous improvement of the College.
According to him, the achievement cannot be separated from the work being done behind the scenes by the University and College leadership.
“Our lecturers who continue to teach and mentor us, our College Management that gives students the opportunity to innovate, the University Management that supports student development, and the State Government that continues to invest in education have all contributed to this achievement. We are beneficiaries of a system that gives us the opportunity to dream, serve and make an impact.”
Under the current administration, EKSUMSA has intensified its focus on student welfare, academic support, leadership and capacity development, partnerships, technology, entrepreneurship, sports, community service, student engagement and stronger representation beyond the University. These efforts, combined with the contributions of previous administrations, have helped strengthen the association and expand its impact.
Benjamin also dedicated the recognition to the past leaders of EKSUMSA, whose efforts laid the foundation upon which the current generation continues to build, and to every medical student whose participation has helped bring the association’s programmes and initiatives to life.
For him, however, the award is not simply a trophy to celebrate.
“Being recognised as the best is not the end of the journey; it is a responsibility. It challenges us to do more, innovate further and ensure that every medical student at EKSU feels the impact of the association. We must sustain the standard that has brought us this far.”
The recognition has already sparked celebration within the University community, with students and stakeholders hailing it as a major milestone for both EKSUMSA and the EKSU College of Medicine.
From the classrooms and lecture theatres to the wards, from welfare initiatives to leadership development, EKSUMSA’s latest achievement represents a story of service, unity, resilience and purposeful leadership.
And as the association celebrates this remarkable national recognition, one message resonates across the EKSU community:
This is more than an award. It is a statement. It is a reflection of what is possible when visionary leadership meets determined students. And it is another proud chapter in the story of Ekiti State University’s rising standard of excellence.
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