There was a rowdy session on the floor of the Oyo State House of Assembly on Monday as the bill to affirm Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso ownership, was passed.
Lawmakers argued over the multi-campus provision in the bill during the consideration of the report on the bill presented by Hon Femi Oluwafowokanmi-led House Committee on Education, Science and Technology.
Recalls that the ownership crisis of the institution was put to an end following the recommendation of the Nigeria University Commission. A development which made the Oyo State government to forward an executive bill to the House.
During deliberation, members particularly raised eyebrows on why some clauses were either inserted or expunged in the committee report.
Speaker of the Assembly, Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin ruled that the bill be subjected to a clause by clause consideration by the entire assembly at the day’s plenary.
While the principal bill provides for the establishment of campuses/colleges/faculties in other towns and cities in the state, members had wondered why there was the inclusion of the clause, “as it may be deemed necessary” in the committee report presented.
Some lawmakers like the deputy speaker, Honourable Abiodun Fadeyi and Honourable Dele Adeola of Iseyin/Itesiwaju constituency argued that the inclusion of such clause made the creation of multi-campus discretionary, Honourables Sanjo Adedoyin of Ogbomoso South and Wumi Oladeji of Ogbomoso North held that the clause was not ambiguous and should be retained.
With the session toeing the line of for and against multi-campus, the speaker cautioned members against arguing based on their political or geographical zone leaning.
He consequently subjected the need to expunge the clause, “as it may be deemed necessary” to voice vote with those in support of the removal sounding highest.
Ruling in favour of multi-campus for LAUTECH, Ogundoyin gave instances of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, which also had other campuses yet the standard of the institution was not diminished, as feared for LAUTECH in some quarters.
Among others, the law stipulates that the institution has power to hold and dispose of movable and immovable property as well as offer academic, professional, diploma, first degree, postgraduate degree programmes.
In addition, the law mandates LAUTECH to offer academic and professional programmes that revolve around planning, adaptive, technical maintenance, engineering, scientific, agricultural, medical and allied professional disciplines.
Down from five years, the bill was amended to mandate the visitor to the university to visit the institution at least once in four years.
Credit: Additional Report from The Nigerian Tribune
