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TechU is A Product of PPP, Subscriptions & Stakeholders Contributions, says Ajimobi.
OYO State governor, Abiola Ajimobi on Tuesday disclosed that the success of The Technical University, Ibadan was anchored upon stakeholders’ contributions and subscriptions by lovers of education as well as Public-Private Partnership.
The Governor said this at the official commissioning and handover of the Central Bank of Nigerian intervention projects at the State-owned TechU which consisted of a Central e-Library space for 500 students, 10 offices, 12 units of toilet facilities as well as a block of 24 lecture rooms which has 11 Administrative offices, furniture, borehole, a 500KVA Generating set, street lights, CCTV cameras, air conditioners and additional toilets facilities for male and female students.
Governor Ajimobi, while speaking at the event, stated that his administration’s desire for a world-class Technical University was in the tradition of innovation and excellence pioneered by forebears of the State, adding that the university is founded on the principle of unique innovation, research collaboration, exceptional service and excellence.
“We are indeed very happy that the apex bank has gone beyond its statutory fiscal and financial responsibilities to support this critical investment and the future of our state and country. We are not unmindful of the challenges of financing tertiary institutions by government in Nigeria today due to the current economic reality.
“We have taken numerous financial initiatives to fund tertiary education in the State, it has been challenging ensuring the self-sustainability of the institutions and in order to avert this unpleasant experience, The Technical University, Ibadan is conceived as a public-private initiative where self-sufficiency through partnership, subscriptions and stakeholder contributions, locally and internationally shall be entrenched.
“TechU is therefore an initiative of the Oyo State government of Nigeria to continue in the tradition of innovation and excellence pioneered by our pathfinders. It is founded on the principle of unique innovation, research collaboration, exceptional service, integrity, excellence and uplifting of the human condition, knowledge, skill, classroom/industry and theory/practical.
“We are therefore committed to the efficient and responsible use of science, technology, engineering, innovation in solving societal problems,” the governor said.
Ajimobi further explained that the University can boast of having the best hands in its management team as well as academic handlers, adding that the mission of the present administration in the State towards the institution was to cultivate a cadre of technical professionals, with requisite entrepreneurial skills, capable of creating businesses that would provide employment for the youths.
He assured that TechU would produce exceptional graduates who are not only socially conscious but technically competent enough to turn around the fortunes of the State, noting that the institution is committed to offering degree programs of international standard through collaboration with relevant global institutions.
The Governor of Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, who was represented a Deputy, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu at the event commended the State government for its vision in transforming education in the State.
He said it was against the backdrop of the need to bridge the manpower and infrastructural deficits that had accumulated overtime that the Central Bank of Nigeria started its education intervention programs throughout the country.
Adelabu said the monetary institution recognized Oyo State as the socio – political and intellectual headquarters of the Southwest region as well as its past roles in economic integration of the Southwest of Nigeria.
Said he, “Having recognized Ibadan and Oyo State in general as a sociopolitical and educational headquarters of the Southwest region, given its past role in the Southwest regional development and potential role it can still play in the general economic integration of the region.
“There is no gainsaying the fact education is the bedrock for development and lifting people out of poverty, Nigeria is experiencing an acute shortage of high quality and world class educational institutions, our primary mandate at the Central Bank of Nigeria apart from fiscal policy is to intervene regularly in the critical sectors of the economy of which education is one, to bridge manpower and infrastructural deficits accumulated overtime,” Adelabu explained.
The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela, in his welcome address, said that the unique idea behind the Technical University was to produce graduates who could turn theory to practice in order to create jobs.
Olowofela said Tech-U was formally recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on 7th December 2012 as the 30th State-owned University in Nigeria with the information that the University would provide succour for parents who sent their wards abroad for higher education.
Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Olubadan-in-council who represented the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji (Aje Oguguluso 1), Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oladapo, Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba (Dr) Abdulganiy Adekunle Oloogunebi (Ajinese 1), Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola all praised the ingenuity of the State administration towards revamping education and positioning the Technical University towards creating technical and commercial growth of the State and Nigeria as a whole.
The intervention approach of the apex bank consists of an administrative block of classrooms that consisted of 24 lecture rooms, offices and furniture, a fully air-conditioned and furnished library complex for about 500 students, 10 offices, 12 units of toilet facilities and a complete e-library.
It also included a borehole with ground and overhead water tank, a 500kva generator set, streetlights, CCTV cameras, conditioners and additional toilets facilities for male and female students.
Photo credit : Tolani Alli.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a record revenue collection of N5.7 trillion as of November 12, 2024, surpassing its yearly target by 10 percent.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the ongoing 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja.
Themed “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” the conference showcased the Customs Service’s progress in modernizing its operations and fostering collaborative partnerships.
“Today, I stand before you to demonstrate how our commitments in 2023 have evolved into tangible achievements,” Adeniyi stated.
He attributed the revenue growth to a series of reforms, including the implementation of a one-stop solution for cargo alerts, a revamped ICT infrastructure, streamlined inspection procedures, and enhanced automation.
Adeniyi explained that these changes reflect the agency’s commitment to elevating operational transparency and efficiency.
“We pledged to re-align our free trade operations, elevate cargo integrity standards, and expand our scanning capacities,” he said.
“Above all, we promised to usher in a new era of customs operations—one built on transparency, efficiency, and genuine collaborations with our partners.”
As of Tuesday, November 12, Adeniyi confirmed that the NCS collected N5.07 trillion, achieving the anticipated 10 percent revenue surplus.
“This performance validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation,” he added.
Adeniyi also highlighted recent strides in trade facilitation, revealing that six companies have been selected to benefit from the Authorised Economic Operators programme, which provides fast-tracked customs clearance and other trade facilitation benefits.
Similarly, the NCS has processed 21 requests under an advance ruling programme, designed to expedite customs decisions on import and export cargoes before they reach Nigerian ports.
The Comptroller-General expressed optimism about the NCS’s potential to drive further economic growth, citing the agency’s commitment to fostering partnerships and advancing innovative practices within the customs sector.
Nineteen out of the thirty-eight directors who were shortlisted to fill permanent secretary vacancies within the Federal Civil Service have failed the qualifying examination, a memo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) revealed on Tuesday.
The memo, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole on behalf of the examination committee, disclosed that the qualifying exam was conducted on Monday, November 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through the OHCSF, launched the recruitment drive in October to fill permanent secretary vacancies in eight states.
Providing insights into the progress, Eno Olotu, Director of Press at OHCSF, stated, “Of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the exam, 19 have passed the first stage and will move on to the second stage, which will assess their competency in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in government operations on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.”
Olotu highlighted the rigorous three-stage selection process, designed to ensure that only the most capable individuals are appointed to these high-ranking civil service roles.
This comprehensive approach, according to OHCSF, aims to elevate the quality of leadership across federal ministries.
The directors who advance beyond the ICT proficiency test will face a final stage on Friday, November 15, 2024, where a panel of senior government officials and private sector experts will conduct a final evaluation to determine their suitability for the permanent secretary positions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.
Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.
“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”
“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.
“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.
He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.
“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.
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