Oyetola To Partner OAU From All Fronts
The Osun State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife from all fronts, especially in the area of research.
Oyetola who expressed the commitment yesterday during a solidarity visit to him by the governing council of the instructions lauded the management for looking inward in the area of revenue generation.
He said the massive agricultural project embarked upon by the university reflects the level of creativity by the university management, adding that such creativity is needed in all Nigerian universities.
Oyetola explained that in the face of dicey global oil market, with resultant sharp reduction in revenue accruing to government’s coffer, there is an urgent need for government and it’s agencies to look for a reliable alternative to generate funds.
“I thank you for the solidarity visit after the protracted legal tussle that lasted for eight months. I also commend you for your massive investment in agriculture, I believe universities should not solely rely on funding from government, every institution must look inward and be creative.
“As government, I know there is need for collaboration with institutions like this to move the state forward, especially in the area of research , and I am reiterating our readiness to collaborate with you for further development and speedy growth”, the governor said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi disclosed that the university was set to embark on a large scale industrial farming plant to broaden it’s revenue base and also create employment.
He said the proposed farm would have a massive poultry unit and cattle ranch among other units covering about 6000 hectares of land, with carrying capacity of 3000 workforce.
Ogunbiyi further disclosed the university’s plan to exit the national greed by October, with an independent power generating capacity of 8.03 mega watt, which according to him will serve the instruction and it’s environs.
He also congratulated the governor on his recent legal triumph at the Supreme Court, saying the victory was noteworthy.
“We are specifically here on three reasons, first to congratulate you on your victory at the Supreme Court, which put an end to distraction and afford you the opportunity to face the real business of governance.
“We are here also to share our thoughts with you on how to partner with you on many developmental plans tailored towards moving this state forward as critical stakeholders, and we are also using this visit to thank you for giving opportunities to many of our alumni in your government.
“It is also pertinent to let you know that the era of tax default is gone forever in our university, as we are now up to date in the payment of our taxes to boost the internally generated revenue of the state”, he averred.
