By Aderemi Bamgbose
Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, has inaugurated Advancement Board for speedy development of the institution.
Prof. Temi Ologunorisa OAUSTECH’s Vice Chancellor inaugurated the board at the main campus of the institution on Wednesday in Okitipupa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Advancement Board are given responsibilities of attracting essential teaching, learning, research, and infrastructural resources through philanthropism, donations, fundraising, alumni relations, collaborations and partnerships.
Ologunorisa charged the Advancement Board to focus on philanthropists and donors, aggressive funds mobilisation, procurement of modern teaching facilities and research equipment, and substantial infrastructural enhancement for the institution’s advancenent.
The Vice Chancellor who was represented by Prof. Foluso Adetuyi, the.institution’s Director of Academic Planning, underscored that the predominant challenges facing the the institution was a severe infrastructure and facilities deficit.
He reflected university only admitted 98 students in the 2010/2011 academic session, which has currently increased to 8,500 students under his stewardship adding that he was projecting an increase to 12,000 students by 2025/2026 academic session.
“One of the pressing challenges facing OAUSTECH at present is infrastructure. I am pleased to report that we are making significant strides.
“The Advancement Board will be instrumental in ensuring the provision of essential physical development, machinery, chemical reagents, and other infrastructural resources vital for teaching and research excellence.
“As you are all aware, no government, globally, can shoulder this responsibility alone, the existing facilities are currently overstretched, hence, the urgent need for your immediate intervention,” Ologunorisa said.
He explained several of his noteworthy accomplishments in the past three years in office, including the promotion of academic and research excellence that has garnered international recognition and scholarship awards for both staff and students of the institution.
The Vice Chancellor added that he introduced the School of Nursing and Allied Sciences, School of Management Sciences, School of Earth Sciences, and School of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
“Our achievements is the full accreditation of all our programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC), Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) among others.
“Other milestone recorded includes: Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Economics, and Public Administration with plans for B.Sc. Meteorology and Climate Science, Cyber Security, and four courses in the School of Maritime Transport and Logistics.
While expressing gratitude to Advancement Board members, he emphasised the importance of supporting the iniversity’s mission by establishing and reviewing objectives, developing priorities, agreeing on strategies, monitoring progress, and steering the institution towards becoming a world-class citadel in alignment with the vision and aspirations of its founding fathers.
Meawhile, Mr Laolu Akindolire, former Commissioner of Education in the state while speaking on behalf of the board members, expressed enthusiasm for the assignment, pledging to work diligently, leveraging their expertise, experience, connections, and goodwill to significantly advance the institution.
NAN reports that the board members are: Prof. Ologunorisa, Mr. Dara Akala, Managing Partner, Integrated Training and Consulting Ltd; Prof. Olukoya Ogen, European Research Council, University of Birmingham; Dr. Foluso Falaye in Canada and Mr. Felix Ipentan, Former Manager, Fitst City Monument Bank (FCMB) Igbokoda;
Others are Mr. Oluyemi Ogunyemi, Former Clerk, National Assembly, Abuja, High Chief Simeon Olomidegun, CEO, High Tide Marine Ltd, Dr. Seinde Fadeni, Chairman, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company; Mr. Abiodun Okunniga, Registrar, OAUSTECH; Mr. Idowu Falemara, OAUSTECH advancement officer; and Mr. Akinleye Makinde, OAUSTECH’s Alumni President among others. (NAN)