Education
Oyo: Makinde says over N40billion is required to finance quality education
The Seyi Makinde -led Oyo state government, on Wednesday, disclosed that the sum of over N40billion is required to take the state’s education sector to the barest minimum standard.
The state government disclosed this following the signing of an agreement between the government and the Incorporated Trustees of the Government College Ibadan to the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA).
It also noted that the handover followed the Old Boys Association’s request to manage, operate and develop the school in order to maintain and sustain its legacy.
Contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, and the Commissioner for Education, Barr. Abdulrahman Abdulraheem represented the state government, while the Incorporated Trustees of GCIOBA led by the President of the Association, Dr. Wale Babalakin represented the school.
According to Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, a study conducted by the his government upon assumption of office in 2019 indicated that the state government needed over N40 billion to take the education sector to the barest minimum standard.
Makinde said it was clear from the beginning that the state could not do it alone.
“If you have been following Oyo State when this administration came on board, we had four cardinal points, and education is one of them. So, education is very key to us, and I think when the first assessment was done, what was needed to even bring our educational sector up to the basics was over N40 billion. So, we were very clear from the beginning that we would not do this alone.
“Also, when we looked at the various bodies that could assist us in making us realise our objectives, the Old Boys Association was one of them”, Governor Makinde said.
He expressed the hope that GCIOBA would bring the school to a standard that other schools would follow, adding that the agreement was a pilot scheme that the state hoped would bring the best to its education sector.
Speaking at the event, the President of GCIOBA, Dr. Babalakin said that the Trustees were happy to pull through the ‘unusual agreement.’
He said: “I want to let you know that you would see a massive transformation of this institution and it will be what the governor wants it to be; the envy of schools in Nigeria.
“I will like to appreciate the team of the government led by the indomitable Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bamiwo Adeosun. She has been able to guide the process to this level. I also thank the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, who has been following and putting in the necessary clauses. We also thank the Commissioner for Education.”
A copy of the agreement indicated that the GCIOBA’s desire to maintain and sustain the preeminent status of the institution, founded in 1929, coincided with the Governor Makinde administration’s policy to designate some secondary schools in the state as schools for gifted students.
According to the agreement, GCIOBA will be granted “the right and authority during the term of this Agreement to manage, operate and develop GCI in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.”
A Board of Trustees is to be set for the school, which according to the agreement, will comprise nominees from the state government, GCIOBA and the parents association.
When completed, the handover will see GCIOBA being responsible for the provision of additional infrastructure and improvement of existing ones in the school, provision of security with the assistance of the state government, employment of competent staff, and payment of the same.
Other responsibilities of the Old Boys Association are the provision of modern teaching aids that will enhance the standard of education and the maintenance of the free education policy of the Makinde-led administration except in cases where boarding facilities are provided by the GCIOBA, among others.
The agreement equally maintained that GCIOBA will absorb existing teaching and non-teaching staff posted to GCI, who indicate to leave the service of the Oyo State government and that it will not discriminate against absorbed staff and those in the service of the state government.
The agreement, it was noted, shall commence on the date of the formal handover of school to GCIOBA after the execution of the Agreement and “shall subsist for a period of 25 (Twenty-Five) years.”
The agreement equally indicated that the GCIOBA is expected to, within two years of the execution of the agreement, provide evidence of new infrastructures either completed or ongoing; undertake continuous and regular maintenance of existing infrastructures and undertake the training and capacity building for the teaching staff, among others.
Seeks FG’s Intervention on Infrastructure, Expansion
The Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, has reaffirmed its commitment to academic and infrastructural excellence as it formally admitted its third set of students during a matriculation ceremony held on Thursday at the TETFund Auditorium, Iresa-Pupa Temporary Campus.
No fewer than 574 students were officially admitted into the institution for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The event was well attended by distinguished guests, including the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, who was represented by Dr John Onyebuchi, Deputy Director, NBTE Southwest Zonal Office. The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) was also represented by Mallam Bala Adamu.
The traditional institution was represented by the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye JP, Ajiboye III. Other notable attendees included the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Engr. (Dr) Sani Man Yahya, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Alhaji I. A. Lawal; the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Engr. (Dr) Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr Mulikatu Aliu; and the Provost of the Federal College of Education, Iwo, Prof. R. A. Adebayo, represented by the Registrar, Alhaji Yusuf Aderibigbe among others.
Speaking at the event, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, congratulated the newly admitted students and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering quality technical and vocational education.
“You have earned your place here through hard work and dedication. Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, is committed to equipping you with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to thrive in your chosen careers,” he stated.
Dr Abdul-Hameed highlighted the rapid growth of the Polytechnic since its establishment in March 2021, noting that it was the first among the six newly created federal polytechnics to commence academic and administrative activities in June 2022.
He disclosed that the institution now has over 1,200 students, making it the most populated among its counterparts. It currently offers 12 accredited National Diploma (ND) programmes, with plans to introduce 29 additional programmes.
“The Office Technology and Management (OTM) programme will soon commence as its resource verification process is at an advanced stage,” he added.
The Rector further announced that the Polytechnic’s Academic Board had approved the results of its first graduating set, paving the way for its maiden convocation this year.
“A convocation ceremony to confer diplomas and prizes will be held this year, and the official date will be announced in due course,” he stated.
Addressing recent reports of a building collapse at the Polytechnic, Abdul-Hameed dismissed the claims as misleading, clarifying that no structure had collapsed on any of the institution’s campuses.
“What was falsely reported was a minor structural defect involving a cantilever under construction. The contractor is already addressing the issue under strict supervision,” he explained, urging the public to disregard the misinformation aimed at tarnishing the Polytechnic’s reputation.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s support for education, the Rector urged the Federal Government to increase funding, particularly for infrastructure and research.
“We seek special intervention programmes to support our expansion efforts and the construction of access roads to improve connectivity,” he appealed.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) towards the Polytechnic’s growth. Continuing, he lauded Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, for his support and sought further assistance from the state government.
The Don advised the newly admitted students to embrace discipline, diligence, and innovation, urging them to take full advantage of the institution’s resources.
“The Polytechnic has provided you with the resources and a conducive environment to succeed. It is now your responsibility to make the most of this opportunity,” the Rector said.
The Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, has announced that its 2024/2025 matriculation ceremony will take place on Thursday, 27th March 2025.
In a statement signed by the institution’s Protocols and Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday Adepoju, on behalf of the Rector, Engr. Dr Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, the event is scheduled to hold at the polytechnic’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to the statement, the academic procession will commence at 9:00 a.m., followed by the main ceremony at 10:00 a.m.
Established in 2021 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Federal Polytechnic Ayede admitted its pioneer students in the 2022/2023 academic session. Initially, the institution commenced with four departments: Science Laboratory Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science, and Statistics.
By the 2023/2024 academic session, the institution expanded its academic offerings with eight additional National Diploma (ND) programmes, increasing the total to 12. The newly introduced courses include Computer Engineering Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, Agricultural Technology, Science Laboratory Technology, Computer Science, Statistics, Tourism Management Technology, Estate Management and Valuation, Urban and Regional Planning, Accountancy, Business Administration and Management, and Public Administration.
These 12 ND programmes are structured under five academic schools, School of Agricultural Technology,School of Science and Technology, School of Engineering Technology, School of Environmental Technology and School of Management Sciences.
The institution also announced that the orientation programme for fresh students commenced on Tuesday, 25th March, and will continue on Wednesday, 26th March, at the Iresa-Pupa temporary site. The programme will feature addresses from distinguished scholars and professionals, providing guidance to the new students on academic and campus life.
Since its inception, Federal Polytechnic Ayede has recorded remarkable strides in academic excellence, infrastructural development, training and re-training, as well as sports and extracurricular activities.
The management of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, has scheduled the 2024/2025 matriculation ceremony for Thursday, March 27, 2025.
According to a statement by the University Registrar, Mrs. Olubunmi Siju’ Asunmo, the event will commence at 10:00 a.m. at the University Board of Trustees (BOT) Large Lecture Theatre and will be presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan.
The matriculation lecture will be delivered by Prof. Olatunde O. Fawole, a former Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and former Chairman of the Committee of Provosts and Deans at LAUTECH, Ogbomoso.
The university has urged all stakeholders, including Senate members, management staff, deans, directors, heads of departments, service divisions, faculty officers, and students’ representatives, to be seated by 9:30 a.m. prompt for a smooth event.
-
News5 days agoAlleged KGB Infiltration: Police in Dilemma as Senator Natasha Abandons Petition, Snubs Summons
-
News4 days ago
Rep. Oseni Condoles Late Gov. Ajimobi, Kola-Daisi Families Over Bisola’s Passing
-
News1 week ago
Trump’s Foreign Aid Cuts Push 80,000 Nigerian Children to Brink of Starvation – UNICEF
-
News1 week ago
Trump Ends Legal Status for Over 500,000 Immigrants, Orders Mass Expulsions
