By Anu Smith
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has promised to continue to reposition tertiary education in the state if re-elected for a second term in the office.
Makinde promised this in Ibadan on Monday at the 2022 International Students’ Day with the theme “Change Makers” organised by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs.
While showcasing his achievements, the governor stated that his administration would continue to engage students and see to their welfare as it continues to provide facilities and infrastructure that will aid teaching and learning.
Makinde urged the students to use their voter’s cards wisely as history beacons.
He noted that from sole ownership of LAUTECH to the reduction of school fees by 15 per cent, to accreditation of courses for The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and provision of bursary to students, his administration would ensure that issues affecting students are attended to.
“We will continue to ensure that you have no reason to protest. For three years there had been no violent protests by students in Oyo State.
“And if there is a need for a peaceful protest, we will continue to respect your right to peaceful protest, but we encourage dialogue,” Makinde said.
In her keynote address, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, of Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnership, at the University of Ibadan enjoined students to identify problems they can solve in their environment.
Adeyemo, who is the Lead, of Tsoriel Solutions Limited, said changemakers were those who are proactive, pioneering, and passionate about their cause.
“They are resilient and aren’t deterred by failure. We all should be finding home-grown solutions to socioeconomic challenges in Nigeria.
“Initial efforts should be directed toward unblocking our minds, changing our mindset.
“We must challenge the existing paradigms that led us into the rot we lament about and we should create novel ways to do business and life that positively impacts our communities.
“Thus, igniting the “CHANGE” we desire to see, one Changemaker at a time. Everyone has change-making in their DNA, it is just a matter of unlocking it,” Adeyemo said.
Earlier, Mr Victor Olojede, the Special Assistant to Gov. makinde on Students Affairs commended the governor on fulfilling his promises to reposition education in the state.
He highlighted the numerous intervention of the state government in various tertiary institutions in the state and the huge impact it has on the education sector.
