TheCable

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, says the state will commence moves to convert the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, into a conventional university.

Makinde disclosed this on Thursday while receiving a report of the Oyo state negotiating committee on the institution.

LAUTECH was established by the old Oyo state government in 1990, but the creation of Osun state in 1991 led to joint ownership of the institution.

The joint ownership was dissolved in November after both parties agreed to cede the institution to Oyo. Subsequently, the Oyo state government approved the payment of N8 billion to Osun, as contained in the asset sharing agreement on the ownership of the institution.

The governor said following the signing of the LAUTECH, Ogbomoso 2020 bill into law, the state would apply to the National Universities Commission (NUC) to change the institution from a technology university to a conventional one, so that it could be strengthened to handle other courses outside the technology bracket.

“I want to commend the versatility of the NUC on the negotiations. I am pleased to say that I have signed the LAUTECH, Ogbomoso Bill 2020 into law,” Makinde said.

“So, it is now time to move forward with our plans. We will apply to the NUC to convert from a University of Technology to a conventional university, so that a course such as law can be taught at the institution.

“A lot has gone into the report, and we want to give you the assurance that, even though the assignment is finished, we will continue to call on you either individually or collectively to keep on advising us on the path forward for LAUTECH.”

Makinde also noted that the state government will move the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences of the institution to Iseyin, adding that the campus will open this year.

“You will recall that I promised that we will announce the creation of a higher institution of learning in Iseyin. A decision has been taken and that decision is that the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences will open its campus in Iseyin this year,” he said.

“When we inaugurated this committee on November 27, 2019, we were barely six months in office. We gave the members a clear mandate: to secure a divorce from Osun state in a manner of speaking and get Oyo state sole ownership of LAUTECH. Today, I am happy to officially receive your report. I see that you have returned as brave warriors, having fulfilled your mandate.

“On behalf of myself, the Oyo state executive council, the staff and students of LAUTECH, the people of Ogbomoso in particular and the good people of Oyo state as a whole, we say thank you for getting the job done.”