Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has announced the establishment of College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Makinde revealed this on Thursday while receiving the report of the negotiation committee for the sole ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.
The Governor, however, stated that the state government has resolved to formally write the National Open University to transform LAUTECH to a conventional University with the view to accommodating more courses such as Law and others. Akéde Ọ̀yọ́ quoted Makinde as saying:
“When we inaugurated this committee on November 27th 2019, we were barely six months in office. We got the members a clear mandate; to secure a divorce from Osun State in a manner of speaking and get Oyo State sole ownership of LAUTECH. Today, I am happy to officially receive your report. I see that you have returned as brave warriors, having fulfilled your mandate.”
“I remember that on that day of inauguration, Professor Ayodeji Omole, who served as the Committee Chairman, promised that you will discharge your duties with integrity and courage. And I must say kudos because the committee has done exactly that. So, on behalf of myself, the Oyo State Executive Council, the staff and students of LAUTECH, the people of Ogbomoso in particular and the good people of Oyo State as a whole, we say thank you for getting the job done.”
“Even, when we were on the campaign trail, we had always known that there are no two ways around resolving the incessant strike actions and other issues related to LAUTECH ownership. We had several engagements with stakeholders.”
“We were not insisting on parting ways because we do not love our brothers and sisters from Osun State. As I have said on several occasions, this severance of relationship is not going to negatively impart the students and staff from Osun State but it had to be done for the sake of easier administration and move LAUTECH, as an institution, towards as our goal of a world-class university.”
“In fairness to all, this was the only solution. So, let me, once again, use this opportunity to thank my brother, the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Governor Gboyega Oyetola, for putting aside all differences, especially partisan politics all through these negotiations. We appreciate his applying wisdom in taking his time for what is best for the staff and students of LAUTECH.”
“I also thank Professor Olu Aina, who led the delegation for Osun State. I want to commend the versatility of NUC on the negotiations. I am pleased to say that I have signed the LAUTECH, Ogbomoso Bill 2020 into law. So, it is now time to move forward with our plans. We will apply to the NUC to convert from a University of Technology to a conventional University, so that courses such as law can be taught at the institution.”
“We will appoint the Governor Council, of course, to reflect the new ownership and it will birth new management within the next couple of weeks.
“Let me use this opportunity to remind us that the safety and security of Oyo State is everybody’s business. We must not allow any individual or groups to disrupt the economic gains we have made so far. I have always spoken about the importance of LAUTECH to the people of Ogbomoso. These benefits cannot be enjoyed if our dear state is plunged into anarchy because some people will not allow the state security agencies to do their job. So, we must all unite to keep the peace in our dear state.”
“Conclusively, you will recall that I promised that we will announce the creation of a higher institution of learning in Iseyin. A decision has been taken and that decision is that the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences will open its campus in Iseyin this year.
“A lot has gone into the report and we want to give you the assurance that, even though the assignment is finished, we will continue to call on you either individually or collectively to keep on advising us on the path forward for LAUTECH.”
In his remark, the chairman of the negotiation committee for the sole ownership of the LAUTECH, Professor Ayodeji Omole says the negotiation was conducted without losing focus and candour.
He describes the team from Oyo State as fantastic and terrific with the exemplary attitude displayed when the negotiation almost broke down. His words:
“The state civil service can boast of top-notch professionals, who are competent in their various fields. In an attempt to cut costs in the process of negotiation, the exorbitant bill that was presented for the consultant on the evaluation of the University from 2010 to 2020 was turned down. Rather, each state composed a team of professionals from the civil service to form a Technical Committee and Valuation of Assets.”
“I want to say the negotiation was conducted without losing focus and candor. Let me put it on record that the two co-opted members of our committee were of immense benefit to our team. Their experiences in administration and conflict management became timely when the negotiation almost broke down in the face of obvious disagreement, uncomfortable realities and unrealistic expectations.”
“The Oyo State’s team was simply fantastic and terrific. To the glory of God and to the joy of the people of this state, with your confidence and support for the committee, coupled with your exemplary and nothing-is-impossible approach to leadership, the committees thrived resolutely, confidently and successfully to achieve this only mandate.”
“LAUTECH is now fully owned by the people of Oyo State of Nigeria. We appreciate you for the privilege accorded us to serve Oyo State on this special assignment.”
In his remark, the chairman of the negotiation committee for the sole ownership of the LAUTECH, Professor Ayodeji Omole says the negotiation was conducted without losing focus and candour.
