Oyo approves N650m LAUTECH research farm take-off grant

The Oyo State Government, on Thursday, approved a N650 million take-off grant for the Teaching and Research Farm at the Iseyin Campus, alongside investments in infrastructure, ICT, healthcare, housing and mobility support for the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Iseyin Campus.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, made this disclosure at the 18th convocation ceremony of the institution, held at the main campus in Ogbomoso.

Makinde explained that the approval was geared towards sustaining strategic reforms and investments that would further elevate the institution into a globally competitive centre of excellence in innovation, research and development.

He said the development of the campus aligns with the state’s broader economic agenda on agriculture, food security, youth employment and agribusiness expansion.

“The government is deepening efforts to strengthen the institution through deliberate policies, sustained funding and targeted infrastructure expansion to consolidate long-term academic excellence and institutional growth.

“The State Government has approved N650 million take-off grant for the Teaching and Research Farm at the Iseyin Campus alongside investments in infrastructure, ICT, healthcare, housing, and mobility support for the Ladoke, Iseyin Campus.

“We will continue to strengthen the university to ensure it competes favourably with leading institutions across Africa and beyond.

“Since the resolution of ownership issues, the university has enjoyed improved stability, uninterrupted academic calendars and renewed investor confidence,” he said.

Makinde, therefore, commended the Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor, staff and students for their dedication and discipline in sustaining the upward trajectory.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission, Prof Olu Aina, recounted the quiet diplomacy that ended the protracted ownership dispute between Oyo and Osun states over the institution.

Aina, who served as the chairman of the Osun State team in the negotiations on the ownership, said the team he worked with did what was right and would do it again if called upon.

“Let me share some of the thoughts that guided me when I accepted that assignment. It was to return to LAUTECH, to see, and to be part of a team that would end the quarrel between Oyo and Osun. I am glad your current Pro-Chancellor and Prof Sangodoyin were on that team.

“To return to LAUTECH, to see, and to be part of a team that would end the quarrel between Oyo and Osun over a property that is not in its domain. If I were the Governor of Oyo State, I would simply wait patiently for Osun to begin celebrating that award. Then I would revoke the certificate of occupancy, and that would settle the matter.

“So why not do it peacefully? I am very glad and proud that we did what was right.

“I said to the Governor of Osun State at that time: Governor, what are you fighting for?” He told me what he was fighting for. I asked, do you give me a free hand to do this work? He said yes. I said, I want to have a meeting with you and your cabinet.

“I had never been in the cabinet of any state government before. He invited me to the meeting, and I threw the same question at the members of the cabinet. None of them was able to answer it. Then I said, I am going to go there and be part of the team that says that university actually belongs to Oyo.

“What we should be talking about is how, at what cost, and the welfare of the staff and students who will be affected by the pronouncement. I think we did the right thing. And if we were to do it again, we would do the same thing,” he insisted.

He, therefore, urged the new graduands admitted into various degrees to mind their character when their higher qualifications give them certain competences that open doors.

“I have been part of many graduation ceremonies. So, I have a small message for the graduates of this year’s ceremony, including myself. I think I can now call myself an alumnus. When you receive higher education, it gives you certain competences which open doors. But character will keep the doors open. Mind your character.

“Nigeria needs men and women who will choose responsibility over convenience, impact over applause. I encourage those of us graduating today to remain committed to excellence, not as an aspiration, but as a standard.

“I commend the leadership of this institution. And on behalf of my family, who are here in great numbers, and my friends, I accept this honour. Thank you very much,” he added.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Razaq Kalilu, urged the postgraduate graduands to continue to seek knowledge, embrace new challenges and strive for excellence in everything they do.

“To our postgraduate graduands, you have reached a milestone that reflects not only intellectual strength but also discipline, sacrifice and unwavering determination. Postgraduate education is not a journey for the faint-hearted. It demands curiosity, courage and a relentless pursuit of truth.

“We live in a world where knowledge is no longer static. The value of your postgraduate training lies not only in what you know today, but also in your ability to keep learning, unlearning and relearning.

“You should continue to seek knowledge in everything you do. The world is full of opportunities for you to explore and conquer. We have full confidence that you will carry the values and lessons learnt here into the world and make positive contributions,” he said.

In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof Ayodeji Omole, said the university has maintained its standing despite operational challenges.

“We have retained our position as the leading state university in Nigeria and remain among the foremost in Africa. But growth comes with pressure, particularly on infrastructure and resources,” he said.