By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on Friday declared that the state owned Technical University (Tech U) has come to stay contrary to the initial cynicism of some citizens about the possibility of establishing the university.
Speaking at the matriculation of the University’s 190 Pioneer students and the Installation of Chief Tunde Afolabi as the first Pro Chancellor of the institution and the turning of the sod for the proposed AMNI Energy and Petroleum Training Institute at the university, Governor Ajimobi disclosed that the matriculation of the first set of freshers of the university was a dream come true.
that was conceived by our administration with full commitment of notable individuals is here birthed today.
The governor stressed that the take off of the University was a clear sign of his administration’s commitment to the growth of the education sector in and across Oyo state.
“A good leader will not only take his people to where they want to go, but to where they ought to be. I salute the commitment of the committee that worked to give birth to this glory, led by Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, a former Head of Service of the federation. To say this ceremony is epochal is to say the least. We are today witnessing history, as the idea that was conceived by our administration with full commitment of notable individuals is here birthed today” he said.
The governor added “if this were to be a pregnancy, today is its delivery. If it were to be an idea, today is its realization. With Chief Tunde Afolabi in the saddles, I foresee this university taking its pride of place not only in Nigeria but in the international arena.”
“I went to a public secondary school and my parents were not financially buoyant, but today, I am the governor. With this advantage you have today, you are expected to be at the forefront of leadership in our country and the world tomorrow.”
Speaking further, Governor Ajimobi maintained that there is the need for the council and management team of Tech-U to recruit first class academics to equip students with requisite technical and managerial skills that would stand them in good stead in the global market.
Tasking the pro-chancellor and the council members to hit the ground running by seeking immediate and effective partnerships within and outside the country for the benefit of the students and especially for the self-sustenance of the institution as a PPP, Governor Ajimobi expressed gratitude to Chief Tunde Afolabi for honoring the call to serve humanity by taking up the role of chancellorship, stressing that his exceptional background and international network would enhance the growth of the university.
He also urged the pioneer students of the University to take advantage of “a lifetime opportunity by being serious with their studies to ensure that they became future graduates with technical ability to stand on their own.
The Pro Chancellor Chief Tundr Afolabi while lauding Governor Ajimobi for appointing him to the role of piloting the ship of the new university, with a promise to do his best to make the institution a household name in the nearest future expressed his readiness to establish AMNI Energy and Petroleum Training Institute at the university, which would take immediate effect as well as an annual lecture that would attract professionals of international repute.
Tech U Vice Chancellor, Professor Ayobami Salami while speaking disclosed that the university had already discovered about ten inherent vocational skills among the first set of students for which an enabling environment for honing of the skills were being provided and that French language was being taught as a second official language to boost foreign opportunities for the students after their academic programmes, with a promise not to relent in his efforts at accelerating development in the institution.
“I therefore wish to assure the stakeholders in this venture that as the pioneer VC, I will not spare any effort to accelerate the pace of development at this university, so that we can leave an unmistaken and indelible impression about the uniqueness of this university among its peers in Nigeria and beyond.
