Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde has lauded the authority of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo on the strides recorded in the last two (2) years. The Governor stated this on Monday, at the Second Anniversary celebrations of the age-long tertiary institution held at the University 500-seater Lecture Theatre Hall.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Agriculture, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the governor, recalled how his government permanently solved the problem of the defunct College of Education. “Exactly two years ago, 16th December 2022, I was in the National University Commission (NUC) Office Abuja personally to receive the approval letter of the university. This was after the University Act had been signed into law on 5th December 2022. I recall the myriad of challenges faced by this institution during her days as a College of Education, which was almost dead and only working for the Ekiti State University while her primary purpose of establishment in the training of teachers for Oyo state had been abandoned.
The students were disoriented, the staff were unmotivated due to huge unpaid salaries and other emoluments, the infrastructure was falling apart, and it was obvious that we already had a failing project. While we were weighing options of solving the problems, we were confronted with many problems, both internally and externally. As a responsive and responsible government, we were left with no other options than to permanently nip the problem in its bud.
Therefore, on Wednesday, March 17th 2021, our administration, in our dedicated efforts to revitalise the education system in Oyo State, made a momentous announcement and declared the upgrade of the former Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo to the status of a university. This significant move was aimed at advancing the educational landscape in the state. The rest is now history. ”
Speaking further, Oyo State helmsman states, “when this Institution was established two years ago, it was founded on the ideals of excellence in education, the empowerment of future generation and the transformation of our society through knowledge and sound mind.
Today, we see those ideals coming to life. Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo has not only provided a platform for thousands of young minds to dream, learn and achieve but has also contributed significantly to the development of our state and nation as a whole.
The University education is a symbol of hope and this administration is committed to education, hence, a good testament of the administration commitments is the will power of government to navigate the complexities of education in unlocking the full potential of man and that of our dear state in the 21st century. Education is the foundation of development, our economy is built on it, minds are shaped here, and tomorrow leaders are developed. ”
While lauding the Joint Action Committee of Tertiary Institutions (JAC) for its understanding and trust in his government, the Governor used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s unwavering commitment to education as the foundation of sustainable development. His Excellency thereafter urged all students to continue striving for excellence, knowing that they are the future leaders who will shape the destiny of our state and nation.
“Let me round off by thanking the University authority for the strides that had been recorded in the last two years. From your resource verification for 50 academic programmes, to staff re-designation and placement exercise without any rancour, student admissions, staff trainings, maintenance of peace and appointment of principal officers in accordance with the University laws among others. I am indeed happy to state that the speed has justified our decision, “the statement submitted.
In his welcome address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Professor Ayoade Olayiwola Ogunkunle, thanked His Excellency for appointing him and other members into the Council. According to him, “I wish to thank His Excellency for appointing me as the Pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Governing Council and for appointing my other colleagues into the membership.
As the first Governing Council of the University, we recognize the enormity of the assignment in our hands and have resolved to make all necessary sacrifices to lay a solid foundation for a university that will be of a standard comparable with the best anywhere in the world. Thus, our hallmark in all transactions are, excellence, justice, fairness, diligence and integrity.”
In his 2nd anniversary address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan while thanking the founding fathers, traced the history of the over one and half decade institution and specially commended the Governor for writing his name in the institution’s Hall of Fame as the person who changed the institution to become a University. “As a university in its formative years, our institution stands poised at a crucial juncture in its evolution, propelled by a deep commitment to academic excellence, societal progress, and innovative thought.
With a legacy in the making, our vision is to cultivate an educational ecosystem that not only leads in scholarship but also champions inclusivity, sustainability, and meaningful community engagement. This vision, rooted in our values, is our guiding compass as we advance, ensuring that our institution is well-equipped to address the challenges of the 21st century while making lasting contributions to society.”
While appreciating everyone who has contributed significantly to the development of the institution, the University helmsman drew a curtain at his speech by reeling out many strides recorded in the area of infrastructure, staff development, health provision, digitisation and automation, community and alumni engagements, academic excellence among others.
Dignitaries at the event included the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Salihu Adelabu, who was represented by the Coordinating Director in the Ministry, Mrs. C. O Bolaji; Governing Council members, the Oyo Mesis led by the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade; traditional rulers from Oyo town, Onifiditi of Fiditi, Oba Adekola Oyelere, Deans, Directors, Head of departments and service divisions, former Provosts, administrators of the defunct college, Heads of Tertiary Institutions; religious leaders; security chiefs, Oyo community leaders including Rev. Kolade, trade union leaders, student leaders, staff and students among others.
