The oyo state governor has disclosed that the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso is set to be converted to a conventional university.
Makinde made this known during a visit to the institution on Saturday for the construction of the administrative building of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin campus of LAUTECH.
Towards achieving this desire, Makinde said he had directed the council and management of LAUTECH to begin the conversion process for the university.
Makinde said, “We are working towards making Oyo State the number one learning destination in Nigeria.
“To facilitate this, we have also directed the university administration to proceed with the application for conversion of LAUTECH to a conventional university.
“This is so that LAUTECH can offer other courses such as law and humanities. So, this is a win-win situation for all of us in Oyo State.
“You will agree with me that this kind of development comes with huge economic benefits to the people. I am sure the people of Ogbomoso can testify to how hosting LAUTECH has benefited them over the years.”
To facilitate smooth takeoff of the Iseyin campus of LAUTECH, Makinde disclosed that his administration has released a grant of N500 million.
This is as he added that the institution is set to benefit from an intervention of the federal government to the tune of about N200 million.
In addition, Makinde said capital expenditure for the development of infrastructure in LAUTECH is included in the state’s 2022 budget proposal.
Makinde explained that the multi-campus initiative for LAUTECH is to ensure economic development is spread across the geopolitical zones of the state.
Addressing the recent protest of LAUTECH students against the “no payment, no examination” policy of the institution, Makinde urged the students to understand that they need to contribute to the cost of running the institution.
He said with the government committing funds to build infrastructure, paying a debt to Osun State, cutting down tuition fees by 25 per cent effective the coming academic session, it was imperative for students to play their part by paying their tuition fees.
As against protesting, Makinde urged the students to sit down with authorities of the university to resolve the impasse.
Giving his remarks, Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the council of the university, Professor Ayodeji Omole disclosed that the federal government had approved and released allocation paper in respect of a 500 capacity auditorium with offices and classrooms for the Iseyin campus.
He said the intervention was coming through the 2021 revitalisation of public universities under the NEEDS Assessment of Nigerian Public Universities Special Presidential Intervention Fund.
Omole also disclosed that notable individuals of Iseyin had pledged donations of infrastructure, facilities for the LAUTECH college.
The event was graced by the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Salaudeen Adekunle; legal practitioner, Ahmed Raji; several traditional rulers; several personalities and indigenes of Iseyin.
