By Aderemi Bamgbose
Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has appealed to individuals and corporate bodies to partner with his administration in its strive for qualitative education in the state.
Akeredolu made the appeal on Tuesday while inaugurating the Vice-Chancellor’s quarters, Principal Officers’ quarters and other buildings donated to Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa.
Akeredolu, who reiterated his administration’s commitment to priotising qualitative education that would be accessible to all, added that no meaningful education, learning and research could take place without provision of necessary infrastructure.
“No meaningful education, learning and research can take place in an environment where there are no buildings and equipment.
“We will do our own part as government in the provision of qualitative education for all,” he said.
Akeredolu expressed appreciation to all those who donated buildings and other facilities to the institution, urging others to emulate them, for education to be taken to the next level in the state.
Earlier, the new Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, thanked the Governing Council for the transparent interview which culminated in his appointment.
He also expressed appreciation to the governor, who is the Visitor to the university, for accepting the result and approving his appointment without knowing him.
Ologunorisa noted that there were enormous tasks ahead, promising to do his best to carve a niche for the institution without disappointing the governor, the governing council as well as the management and staff members.
“My vision is to build a bi-lingual entrepreneurial and ICT-driven world-class university that will be renowned for its impeccable teaching, research and community service.
“The university will key into the new global economy called “Blue Economy” because of its strategic location. We will place emphasis on the development, utilisation and preservation of coastal, marine and oceanic resources,” Olugunorisa said.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Akinbo Adesomoju, also thanked the governor for his commitment to turning the hitherto moribund institution to a recognised citadel of knowledge.
He also thanked all individuals and donors who had partnered with the university by donating buildings and equipment, urging others to emulate such gestures, for development of the institution.
Chancellor of the university, Oba Fredrick Obateru-Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom, also said that he would help to promote the achievements of the university and advance its interests regionally, nationally and internationally.
“We shall continue to identify and invite high-profile individuals to engage with the university for vast development,” Obateru-Akinruntan said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 30 solar street lights were donated by Tolu Adesomoju, while a fire service station and an advancement centre were donated by Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe and Chief Pius Akinyelure respectively.
While a functional hall was donated by Sen. Michael Onukun, Prof. Olukoya Ogen, Pastor Jeremiah Akinsele and Justice Ademola Enikuomehin sponsored students’ relaxation centre and Retired Rear Adm. Akin Aduwo, seven hectares of land at Ode-Aye.
NAN also reports that the Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedayiwa, Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Oladuni Odun, commissioners, government functionaries, politicians and traditional rulers graced the occasion. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)