Makinde approves special intervention fund to fast-track LAUTECH Iseyin campus’ devt

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has announced plans to establish a special intervention fund aimed at addressing critical infrastructure and academic needs at the College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin Campus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

The governor disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. He explained that the intervention would cover key areas such as students’ and lecturers’ accommodation, an Information Technology Centre, a healthcare facility, and the provision of buses to improve mobility within and around the campus.

Responding to issues raised at the meeting, Governor Makinde revealed that the Oyo State Government had already invested about ₦15 billion in the campus, adding that his administration would continue to take decisive steps to ensure the institution thrives.

While assuring stakeholders of sustained government support, the governor cautioned staff, students, and members of the host community against indiscipline and actions capable of compounding the initial challenges facing the relatively new campus.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the education sector, urging students and lecturers to work closely with the government and the institution’s Governing Council. Makinde also advised students to engage in constructive dialogue with the government whenever challenges arise, rather than resorting to protests that could lead to vandalism.

Allaying concerns about the future of the campus, the governor said the special intervention fund would accelerate its full take-off and stability. He directed the Vice-Chancellor to submit, within one week, a comprehensive list of the campus’s immediate needs, jointly endorsed by students, lecturers, and other stakeholders, noting that the intervention package would be concluded within two weeks.

Describing his government as a listening administration, Governor Makinde assured students that their concerns would always receive attention through dialogue and engagement.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of LAUTECH’s Governing Council, Professor Ayodeji Omole, commended the governor for facilitating Oyo State’s sole ownership of the university and for relocating students of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences from the main campus in Ogbomoso to Iseyin.

In separate remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Razak Kalilu; President and Secretary of the LAUTECH Global Alumni, Engineer Olalekan Badmus and Professor Ige Oladiran; and President of the Iseyin Development Union, Alhaji Mubasiru Azeez, expressed appreciation to the governor for resolving the ownership crisis and establishing the College in Iseyin, while appealing for additional facilities to strengthen the campus.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Mr Olaobaju Israel thanked the governor for his recent visit to the campus, noting that it had triggered positive developments.

Also speaking, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, pledged the support of the people of Iseyin to the success of the institution and advised students to channel their demands through peaceful and lawful means without causing unrest or damage to property.

The meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; the Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; and Commissioners for Education, Works, Energy, Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and Special Duties, among other political office holders and stakeholders.