By: Our Coreespondent
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has announced plans to establish a special intervention fund to address critical infrastructure and academic gaps at the College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin Campus of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
The governor made this known on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at his office, where issues affecting the smooth take-off and growth of the campus were discussed.
According to Makinde, the proposed intervention fund will cater to key needs of the campus, including students’ and lecturers’ accommodation, an Information Technology Centre, a healthcare facility, and the provision of buses to ease mobility for both students and staff.
Responding to concerns raised by stakeholders, the governor disclosed that the Oyo State Government had already invested about ₦15 billion in the Iseyin Campus, assuring that his administration would continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the campus thrives.
However, he warned staff, students, and members of the host community against indiscipline and actions capable of worsening the challenges of the fledgling institution.
Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the education sector, stressing the need for cooperation among stakeholders, particularly students and lecturers, with the government and the university’s Governing Council.
He also cautioned students against resorting to protests, noting that such actions often lead to vandalism, and urged them instead to engage the government through dialogue.
“Allaying fears about the future of the Iseyin Campus, I am prepared to put in place a special intervention fund to hasten your settling down as quickly as possible,” the governor said.
“I want the Vice-Chancellor to provide, within one week, a comprehensive list of the campus needs. Let all stakeholders—students, lecturers, and others—endorse it. We will conclude on this special intervention within the next two weeks.”
Addressing the students, Makinde added: “This is a listening administration. We do not want protests. If you have challenges, bring them forward; we will discuss them and find solutions.”
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Ayodeji Omole, commended Governor Makinde for his role in securing Oyo State’s sole ownership of LAUTECH. He noted that the achievement also facilitated the relocation of students of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences from the main campus in Ogbomoso to the Iseyin Campus.
In separate remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Razaq Kalilu; President and Secretary of the Global Alumni Association, Mr Olalekan Badmus and Professor Ige Oladiran; and the 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 for additional support 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 resulted in positive developments.
Also speaking, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, pledged the support and cooperation of the people of Iseyin towards the success of the university, while cautioning students to channel their demands peacefully without destroying property or causing unrest in the community.
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