Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced plans to establish a special intervention fund to address key infrastructure and academic gaps at the College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin, a campus of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
The governor made this known on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Makinde said the intervention fund would focus on critical needs such as accommodation for students and lecturers, an Information Technology Centre, a healthcare facility, and buses to improve mobility within and around the campus.
Responding to concerns raised by stakeholders, the governor disclosed that the Oyo State Government had so far invested about N15 billion in the Iseyin campus, assuring that his administration would continue to take deliberate steps to ensure the institution’s growth and stability.
“We have already invested heavily in this campus and we will not shy away from taking further necessary steps to ensure it thrives,” Makinde said.
He, however, cautioned staff, students and members of the host community against indiscipline and actions capable of compounding the challenges of the young institution.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to education, urging students and lecturers to cooperate with the government and the university’s Governing Council.
He also advised students to engage the government through dialogue rather than protests, which he noted could lead to vandalism and setbacks.
Allaying fears about the future of the campus, Makinde said, “For the Iseyin Campus, I am prepared to put in a special intervention fund to hasten your settling down as quickly as possible.
“I want the Vice-Chancellor to, within a week, give me a list of the things needed by the campus. Let everyone sign, the students, the lecturers and all stakeholders. We will put up an intervention fund for the campus.
“This will be a special intervention from the Oyo State Government. We should be able to conclude on that within the next two weeks.”
Addressing the students directly, the governor added, “This is a listening administration. We do not want you to protest. If you have challenges, bring them forward, we will discuss and find solutions to them.”
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, commended Makinde for his role in securing Oyo State’s sole ownership of LAUTECH and for facilitating the relocation of students of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences from the Ogbomoso campus to Iseyin.
In separate remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of LAUTECH, Prof. Razak Kalilu; President and Secretary of the Global Alumni Association, Engr. Olalekan Badmus and Prof. Ige Oladiran; and President of the Iseyin Development Union, Alhaji Mubasiru Azeez, praised the governor for resolving the university’s ownership crisis and establishing the college in Iseyin.
They appealed to the state government to further assist the campus through the provision of essential facilities.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Mr. Olaobaju Israel thanked the governor for his recent visit to the campus, which he said had led to positive developments.
Also speaking, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, pledged the support and cooperation of the people of Iseyin toward the success of the institution.
He urged students to channel their demands through peaceful and constructive means without resorting to actions that could damage property or disrupt the community.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Commissioner for Education, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Commissioner for Works, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; Commissioner for Energy, Prof. Kehinde Sangodoyin; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ademola Ojo; and Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Sanni.
Others present included the Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Special Adviser on Political Matters, Alhaji Omokunmi Mustapha; Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Hon. Rasak Fadiran; and Senior Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Mr. Victor Olojede, among other stakeholders.