The Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin Funmilayo has pledged his Ministry’s unwavering support to the development of the 128-year old foremost Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo.
The Honourable Commissioner made this pledge when he received the Chairman and Members of the Governing Council Sub-Committee on Donors and Investors who paid him a visit at his Agodi Secretariat Office.
According to the renowned technocrat in a release made available by Wale Adeoye, the University’s Media and Public Relations Officer, “I am happy to receive your committee in my office today. Let me register the fact that I started my career as a civil servant at the St. Andrew’s College of Education, Oyo (Now Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo). This means, I will have my story incomplete without the defunct College”, he stated.
“I therefore see my opportunity in the government of His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE as a blessing and an opportunity to further be part of the University’s history. I am therefore assuring the Governing Council, that my Ministry shall do all it can to support the vision of our oga, who is doing all he can, to position the institution like he did for the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. We are therefore ready to help you in the area of land acquisition to accommodate the new university status. Once again, I appreciate the Chairman and distinguished members of the Committee and wish you a safe trip back home” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Kola Amole appreciated the Honorable Commissioner for the warm reception. He took time to enumerate some of the giant strides made by the University and stated that the current status of the University requires land expansion as more land was needed for the University.
In his words: “I therefore on behalf of the Governing Council appeal to Your Honour, to use your good office to help the institution get more land for it to meet up with the status of a world-class University. Once again, we appreciate you for the hospitality, Sir”, he submitted.
In a related development, the team later visited the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Saliu AbdulWaheed Adelabu who was very ecstatic in receiving the Governing Council Committee.
Speaking after listening to the Committee Chairman, the Honourable Commissioner commended the initiative of the Governing Council in setting up the Committee which he said was the best way to go. I am happy to be part of this history and I sincerely appreciate our oga, the Visitor to the University, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE for approving the upgrade of the University and for creating an enabling environment for learning.
“As you can see, the leadership of the University is indeed making waves within a year. It assures us that we have a great hope. What your committee is doing is a great task and I am happy to receive you. Continue keeping the flag flying,” he submitted.
On the team with the Chairman were Professor Abass Adedibu; Hon. (Mrs.) Funmilayo Orisadeyi; Dr Sikiru M. Raimi; Dr Olugbenga Ayena; Alh. Mikail Ogundiran, FCA; Dr Oladapo Ojo; Director of Works and Physical Planning, Arc. Hammed Olawale Amuda and the Secretary, ‘Wale Adeoye.