…says FG’s top priority on education responsible for Out-going VC Soremekun’s outstanding achievement
From Kehinde Adewole
The Management of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) on Wednesday revealed that the Federal Government is to be praised for the success story the Ivory Tower recorded since its 10 years of existence, and particularly during the Out-going Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kayode Soremekun’s five year tenure.
Bursar of the University, Mrs. Bolatito Akande, made this disclosure while giving her address as the Chairman, Projects Commissioning Committee of the institution, in a historic event of the launching of 74 infrastructural projects put in place by the Prof Soremekun’s administration.
Mrs. Akande said the pillar behind the success story of the school has remained the solid support from the Federal Government and the Ekiti State government as led by both President Mohammadu Buhari and Dr. Kayode Fayemi respectively.
She added that the huge support from these two governments further confirmed the fact that the President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration places top priority on the development of education in Nigeria.
She said : “This event is historic. It is historic because never before have we witnessed on our soil, such a great convergence of dignateteries spread across various strata of our society. It is also unique because we are showcasing the benevolence of our stakeholders to the growth and development of our great institution.
“Let me not bore you with history needless to say, that we remain the only University of this status that operates on a dual campus structure. But the relics of this history will show you how we have managed well amidst the committee of Universities.
Particularly, the ones established in 2011, during the tenure of the esrthwhile President, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Since 2011 and until now, no doubt, this University has enjoyed immensely, the magnanimity and benevolence of both the Ekiti State and Federal Governments through there Ministeries and Agencies, the promoting of and executing seamlessly, projects on our campuses of Oye and Ikole.
Suffice to say that in the last few years, projects that have been executed and completed through various governments and its agencies are well over eighty (80) dotting the landscape of both campuses.
” Let me say that we are not surprised these projects are timely completed; And the event of their Commissioning coming up at a time like this. We would have been most surprised if the Commissioning does not take place, noting the dogeddeness and sagacity of our supervisory agencies. That it took place signified the place of education as paramount on the priority list of this administration, ably led by His Excellency, President Mohammadu Buhari who has adopted education as as a major policy thrust of his administration.
” Let me also reiterate that the administration under the watch of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Soremekun has painstakingly repositioned the University and had increased its visibility amongst the Nigerian Universities. In this endeavour and the developmental strides, there have been storm and banters thrown to rock the boat . I am glad and proud to let you know that Kayode Soremekun has been able to move the University forward in leaps and bounds with giant strides in infrastructure, staff welfare, and development, as well as academic improvement and empowerment.
It is noteworthy to reiterate that with the support and approval of government and its agencies, we have achieved tremendous infrastructural boost inspite of paucity of funds. More than eighty of the projects have been completed, furnished and occupied. Several laboratories have been completed, furnished and occupied both at the twin campus of Oye and Ikole Ekiti. And we also have upgraded the University’s sporting facilities in the twin campuses. This administration, therefore, has not betrayed the hope and aspirations as it is worthy to remind our friends ad others that the administration kicked off only in February, 2016.
” For the past five years, the administration of Prof. Kayode Soremekun has run the affairs of the University with passion and commitment to excellence and utmost dedication to duty.
This gesture has yeilded unprecedented and admirable results which we now gather to celebrate today: they are proudly identified as our collective achievement. Even when it is not yet Uhuru, we can safely say without mincing words, that the end had justified the means as there can only be room for improvement,” she said.
The leaders of students in FUOYE, both acting and President elect also poured encomiums on Soremekun for his exemplary leadership.
Johnson Alabi, who is President elect, said: “I summed up all the five years in progress, peace ad persistence, if we checked the records, we are in the first top fifteen University in Nigeria. He has been a democratic father who has made student Union a reality today we appreciate you so much sir.”
The Acting President, also said: “
It is a thing of joy for me that this is happening with a lot of success and landmark achievement.the legacy you have built can never be compared unparalled.”
The historic inuaguaration of the 74 infrastructural projects was graced with the presence of eminent Nigerians who included the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, Chairman, Governor of Ekiti, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, represented by his deputy, Bisi Egbeyemi, FUOYE Governing Council, Dr. Yahuza Mohammed, Ewi of Ado, Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe, Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Prof. Radaki Ojo Bakare, Permanent Secretaries of Federal Ministeries, and Traditional rulers as well as staff and students of the institution.
