Makinde to convert LAUTECH to conventional varsity

From Stella Obi, Ibadan

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has disclosed his administration’s intention to seek approval from the Nigerian University Commission (NUC)to convert Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, from a university of technology to a conventional university.

He also informed that the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences will open its campus in Iseyin this year.

The governor, who spoke  on Thursday, while receiving a report of the Oyo State negotiating committee on the institution, added that there will be new governing council with new management within the next couple of weeks.

According to him, following the signing of the LAUTECH 2020 Bill into law, the state would apply to necessary authorities to change the university from a technology university to a conventional university so that it could be strengthened and enabled to handle other courses outside the technology bracket.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor stated these at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

The decision to open the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences campus of LAUTECH is coming seven days after Governor Makinde declared in Iseyin that in six weeks, he would fulfill his electioneering promise of siting a higher institution of learning in the historical city.

While speaking, Governor Makinde said the committee, led by Prof. Ayodeji Omole, was assigned the responsibility of dissolving the joint ownership of LAUTECH between Oyo and Osun States about 15 months ago, stating that members of the committee have fulfilled their mandate.

The governor appreciated the committee for getting the job done, while also lauding its Osun State counterpart, by Prof. Olu Aina, as well as the Governor of Osun State, Chief Gboyega Oyetola, who, he said, “put aside all differences, especially partisan politics all through these negotiations.

Makinde said: “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.

“When we inaugurated this committee on November 27, 2019, we were barely six months in office. We gave 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.

“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.”

The governor re-affirmed that parting ways with Osun State on LAUTECH was not borne out of animosity but out of a desire to see LAUTECH realise its vision of being a world class university.

Makinde equally commended the  NUC's versatility during the negotiations, stating that having signed the LAUTECH, Ogbomoso Bill 2020 into law, the state would apply to the NUC to convert LAUTECH from a university of technology to a conventional university so that other courses could be taught.

He assured the negotiation committee on LAUTECH that the state would thoroughly explore the recommendations of the committee, saying: “I want to commend the versatility of the 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 a course such as law can be taught at the institution.

Earlier, the chairman of the committee, Prof. Omole appreciated the governor for the privilege accorded the committee to serve the state, stating that “LAUTECH is now fully owned by the people of Oyo State of Nigeria.”

Omole said: “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 sta ate composed a team of professionals from the civil service to form a Technical Committee and Valuation of Assets.