Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has maintained that the state government will continue to collaborate with the University of Ibadan for the development of the state.
The governor stated this while speaking at the 71st Founder’s Day and Convocation ceremony, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan on Monday.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor also declared the readiness of his government to readily employ data and research produced by the university to develop the state.
He added that the state would continue to collaborate with other stakeholders in advancing University of Ibadan further, noting that the cooperation between the government and the university was already obvious, as many of the university’s staff were collaborating with the state officially and in private capacities to restore Oyo State’s glory.
The governor maintained that the government and people of the state had always been proud to be associated with the university, noting that its existence in Ibadan remained a great testament to the pace-setter status of the state.
“It is indeed a pleasure for me to give a goodwill message at this year’s Foundation Day ceremony of the premier University in Nigeria, the University of Ibadan.
“As the governor of Oyo State and head of the state government, I commit the state to partnering with you in advancing University of Ibadan further. The cooperation between our government and the university is already obvious, as many of your staff are collaborating with us both officially and in private capacities to restore Oyo State to the past glory as the founding fathers had hoped.
“At a stage, this university shot the city of Ibadan to the pinnacle of being the intellectual capital of the African continent. As the landlord of the university, the Government of Oyo State and its people are indeed proud and happy to be associated with UI,” he said.
He maintained that his administration’s resolve to continue to collaborate with the university stemmed from its belief that an educated population was an asset, noting that in line with that belief, it had begun a process of revolutionising education through sound and well-thought-out policies.
He also pointed out that the free and qualitative education policy of the government, aimed at building a sound foundation for the future products of the University of Ibadan and other higher institutions, was on course, noting that a university system could only work with the materials they were presented with in terms of students.
Earlier, the pro-chancellor of the University and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, stated that it was important for the university to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the Founder’s Day with joy as much as reflections.
