Ekiti To Get Second University; Bill Scales Second Reading |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

A bill for the upgrade of the Ekiti State College Of Education, Ikere Ekiti, to a University of Education, Science and Technology has passed a second reading at the State House of Assembly.

Stakeholders have thrown their weight behind the upgrade of the College to University, almost 15 years after a similar move hit the rock.

During the regime of Engr. Segun Oni, as Governor, an attempt was made for the establishment of a University at Ikere, using the facilities of the college of education, but the people blocked the move.

This led to the siting of the second University, owned by Ekiti state government at Ifaki, the country home of former Governor Segun Oni.

The University had since been abolished by the administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi, during his first tenure, and facilities transferred to Ekiti state University, Ado.

The present effort by Dr Fayemi administration is seen as a correctional one, aimed at soothing the nerves of critics that flayed the abolishment of the University founded by Segun Oni’s administration.

A public  Hearing on a Bill to upgrade the College of Education to University status has been organized by the State Assembly.

Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Mrs Kemi Balogun, explained that the proposed University would provide quality training to enrich and improve the State, national and international human resources.

According to her, it would strengthen  “Education For All” as emphasised in the four-cardinal points of the Kayode Fayemi-led administration.

The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr Adebimpe Aderiye, pointed out that the current College of Education has all the necessary requirements for it to be upgraded to a degree- awarding University.

In a goodwill message, the Ikere community, represented by Prof. Olufemi Babatola, said that the establishment of the University would also increase the economic base of the state, the nation and the world.

The fear, being expressed  by many, however, is from where  the State Government would  get funds for the University to operate optimally.