In response to the recent announcement calling for a protest against the establishment of the College of Agricultural Science and Renewable Natural Resources of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (LAUTECH) in Iseyin, the people of Iseyin have reiterated their commitment to the project. They firmly believe that the college is here to stay, in line with the directive of Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde.
Hon. Waheed Olaniyan, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee for the Establishment of the College, expressed this assurance during the handover of land for the construction of a 250-seater capacity Information and Communication Technology Centre to a special team from the Nigeria Communication Commission. Olaniyan, a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, expressed gratitude on behalf of the community and the entire Oke-Ogun area for the governor’s decision to establish the college in Iseyin. He emphasized that this gesture would significantly enhance the socio-economic outlook of the region.
Olaniyan dismissed the planned protest by some individuals in Ogbomoso, considering it to be in bad taste. He emphasized that LAUTECH belongs to all communities in Oyo State, not solely Ogbomoso. Despite announcements in the media urging Ogbomoso indigenes to join the protest against the establishment of the new campus in Iseyin, Olaniyan underscored the importance of unity and collaboration among all communities in the state. He highlighted that the establishment of the college in Iseyin would contribute to its overall development and help the state achieve its educational goals for human development.
During the event, Olaniyan expressed gratitude to Prof. Adeolu Akande, Chairman of the Nigeria Communication Commission, for initiating the construction of the 250-seater ICT center for the new campus. He viewed this development as a positive indication that academic activities at the college would commence smoothly with the ICT center in place.
Representing the contracting company, Still Earth Holdings, Mr. Oladipo Oshodi, Head of Business Development and Intergovernmental Relations, assured that the project would be completed within one year as mandated by the NCC. He further emphasized the commitment to deliver a quality job that would stand the test of time and benefit the students, the institution’s management, and the entire community.
The event was attended by a delegation from the Nigeria Communication Commission led by Mr. Phillip Eretan, Director of the Projects Department, as well as the management team of LAUTECH, led by the Provost of the College, Prof. Jacob Gbemiga Adewale. Other notable individuals present included Alhaji Saheed Alaran, who represented the Chairman of the Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum, Alhaji Ahmed Raji (SAN); the Ikolaba of Iseyin, High Chief Ismahil Odubiyi; the Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Hon. Mufutau Abilawon, members of the Iseyin Development Union, Iseyin Council of Societies (ICS), and the Elders Council, among others.
With the determination of Iseyin indigenes and the support of the state government, the LAUTECH campus in Iseyin moves forward despite the protests in Ogbomoso, as the vision for quality education and regional development remains steadfast.
