Federal University, Oye, Bids Farewell To VC, Welcomes Successor |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

It was accolades and tributes as Prof Kayode Soremekun bowed out as the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye, Ekiti, (FUOYE)

Despite grievances by some Unions at the institution over unpaid deductions spanning over a year, dignitaries trooped to the institution’s campus to bid Soremekun goodbye on Wednesday.

Bursar to the University, Mrs.  Bolatito Akande, who doubles as the Chairman, Projects Commissioning Committee of the institution, attributed the success story of the school to the solid support from the Federal Government and the Ekiti State Government.

She pointed out that the huge support from these two Governments further confirmed the fact that the  President Mohammadu Buhari administration places top priority on the development of  education in Nigeria.

“This event is historic. It is historic because never before have we witnessed on our soil such a great convergence of dignitaries spread across various strata of our society.

“It is also unique because we are showcasing the benevolence of our stakeholders to the growth and development of our great institution.

“Let me not bore you with history needless to say, that we remain the only University of this status that operates on a dual campus structure.

“But the relics of this history will show you how we have managed well amidst the Committee of Universities,

particularly, the ones established in 2011, during the tenure of the erstwhile President, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

“Since 2011 and until now, no doubt, this University has enjoyed immensely, the magnanimity and benevolence of both the Ekiti State and  Federal Governments through their Ministries and Agencies, the promoting of and executing seamlessly, projects on our campuses of Oye and Ikole.

“Suffice to say that in the last few years, projects that have been executed and completed through various Governments and its agencies are well over eighty (80) dotting the landscape of both campuses.

” Let me say that we are not surprised these projects are timely completed; and the event of their Commissioning coming up at a time like this.

“We would have been most surprised if the Commissioning does not take place, noting the dogeddeness and sagacity of our supervisory agencies.

“That it took place signified the place of education as paramount on the priority list of this administration, ably led by His Excellency, President Mohammadu Buhari who has adopted education as a major policy thrust of his administration.

” Let me also reiterate that the administration under the watch of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Soremekun has painstakingly repositioned the University and had increased its visibility amongst the Nigerian Universities.

“In this endeavour and the developmental strides, there have been storm and banters thrown to rock the boat . I am glad and proud to let you know that Kayode Soremekun has been able to move the University forward in leaps and bounds with giant strides in infrastructure, staff welfare, and development, as well as academic improvement and empowerment.

“It is noteworthy to reiterate that with the support and approval of government and its agencies, we have achieved tremendous infrastructural boost inspite of paucity of funds.

“More than eighty of the projects have been completed, furnished and occupied. Several laboratories have been completed, furnished and occupied both at the twin campus of Oye and Ikole Ekiti.

“And we also have upgraded the University’s sporting facilities in the twin campuses.”

Among dignitaries that bid Soremekun farewell were Governor Kayode Fayemi and the Minister of Education as well as traditional rulers from the host communities.

The new Vice Chancellor, Prof Olu Fashina has officially resumed duties.