Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Saturday, said that investing hugely in education was a social debt he owes the people of the state.
Mr Akeredolu explained that education has been one of the cardinal responsibilities of his administration in the last six years in the state.
He spoke at the maiden convocation ceremony of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), in Okitipupa.
Daily Trust reports that a total of 982 graduands from six sets, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, and 2019/2020 sessions bagged the institution’s degrees while a total of 26 graduands made First Class.
At inception, the Governor noted that his administration was alarmed by the deplorable condition of facilities in the government-owned institution, especially in the areas of poor roads dilapidated buildings, and inadequate teaching materials.
“This informed our resolve to change the narrative, by immediately commencing a gradual, radical, and systematic implementation of the State Government’s Strategic Plan for the university.
“I am delighted to recall that within our 100 days in office, we facilitated the asphalt overlay of the first phase of the university road network and inaugurated the same for use. We have also recently approved the construction of a 2.5 kilometre road network for the University which has achieved about 75% level of completion,” he revealed.
Mr Akeredolu, who is a visitor to the University, added that his administration had been able to quickly intervene by releasing funds for the completion of major building projects abandoned for almost a decade by past administrations in the state.
According to him, the projects completed in the institution include the University Senate Building, the University Library, and the University Auditorium.
While declaring his resolve to open up other similar abandoned projects which shall be completed in batches in the University, the governor assured that it is going to be a new era in OAUSTECH as his administration would not relent in its support.
“To this end, our administration has tremendously supported the university’s quest for TETFund funding. Today, we are all happy that the university has started to have the presence of TETFund projects while more opportunities are underway.
“We have also noted that within the last six years of our administration, OAUSTECH, which used to offer courses only in the School of Science, has added courses in two additional schools: the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology and the School of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
“All courses offered by the university in the three schools have been accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). I commend the university management and Council for these achievements.”
Mr Akeredolu specifically congratulates the graduating students and their parents while also charging them to go out and exhibit the glowing tendencies that they have adopted while in school.
“There is no doubt in my mind that all of you have the potential to transform our State and indeed our country by putting to use and continuing to develop the training and experiences which you have garnered during your stay in this university,” he stressed.
Mr Akeredolu, however, saluted the erstwhile governor of the state, late Olusegun Agagu, whom he said made the establishment of the university a reality for the benefit of the people of the Southern Senatorial District of the state.
The Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council of the University, Professor Akinbo Adesomoju commended Mr Akeredolu for his non-relenting efforts at improving the institution through many interventions, especially in terms of infrastructural developments.
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