Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Saturday disclosed that his administration has invested hugely in education in the last six years.
The Governor noted that education is one of the cardinal responsibilities of his administration, saying it is a social debt to the people.
Governor Akeredolu spoke at the maiden convocation ceremony of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa (OAUSTECH) held at the University’s main Auditorium.
A total of 982 graduands from six sets, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 sessions earned the University’s first degrees. A total of 26 graduands made First Class.
Governor Akeredolu said his administration at inception was alarmed by the deplorable condition of things in the University, especially in terms of roads, buildings, and other essential facilities connected to a conducive learning environment.
“This informed our resolve to change the narrative, by immediately commencing a gradual, radical, and systematic implementation of the state government’s strategic plan for the university.
“I am delighted to recall that within our 100 days in office, we facilitated the asphalt overlay of the first phase of the university road network and inaugurated the same for use. We have also recently approved the construction o2.5-kilometereter road network for the University which has achieved about 75 per cent level of completion,” the Governor said.
Governor Akeredolu stressed that as part of his administration’s intervention, he has released funds for the completion of some major building projects which were abandoned for almost a decade.
According to him, the projects completed include the University Senate Building, the University Library, and the University Auditorium.
He declared his resolve to open up other similar abandoned projects which shall be completed in batches as the state’s finances improve.
Governor Akeredolu, who said it is a new era in OAUSTECH, assured that his administration has not relented in supporting the university in all spheres.
“To this end, our administration has tremendously supported the university’s quest for TETFund funding. Today, we are all happy that the university has started to have the presence of TETFund projects while more opportunities are underway,’’ he said.
Earlier in his address, the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of, Governing Council of the University, Professor Akinbo Adesomoju commended the Visitor to the University and Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for his unrelenting efforts at improving the institution through many interventions, especially in terms of infrastructural developments.
He said the present administration has been able to complete several previously abandoned capital projects in the University including the Main Auditoriuandathethee development of an internal road network among several others.
