The Management of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, has engaged the leadership and stakeholders of one of its host communities, Imaka, assuring them of accelerated development following the Federal Government’s takeover of the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Oladipo MNPA, CMCPN, MCAN, FIELPN, gave the assurance during a stakeholder engagement meeting held at the residence of the Baale of Imaka, Chief Adebayo Osotimehin.
Prof. Oladipo disclosed that one of the immediate steps being taken by the University was the clearing and surveying of its land to establish the exact size and boundaries.
He added that the construction of a gatehouse would also commence as an initial physical indication of the University’s presence on the site.
He explained that proper surveying and documentation of the land were necessary for effective planning and development, noting that the need for accurate details of the University’s land had also been highlighted during a recent engagement in Abuja.
The Vice-Chancellor recalled that the Imaka Community had provided land for use by the institution about 21 years ago, with the expectation that the University would stimulate development, create employment opportunities and improve the socio-economic fortunes of the area.
While acknowledging the contributions of successive administrations and members of the community to the establishment and growth of the institution, Prof. Oladipo noted that the Federal Government’s takeover had created a new opportunity to accelerate development.
“The University’s development vision would extend beyond physical infrastructure to initiatives capable of generating employment, stimulating economic activities and improving the quality of life of residents of the host community”, he added.
Prof. Oladipo cited his recent visit to the Songhai Centre in Porto-Novo, Republic of Benin, as an example of an integrated development model from which useful ideas could be drawn, particularly in the areas of productive land use, energy generation and resource management.
On admission opportunities, the Vice-Chancellor assured qualified candidates from Imaka of consideration for admission, provided they meet the prescribed cut-off mark and other requirements for their chosen programmes.
He similarly stated that qualified indigenes of the Community would be considered for employment opportunities when the Federal Government grants approval for recruitment into the University.
He, however, stressed that such opportunities would be subject to the approved recruitment process and the required qualifications.
Earlier, the Baale of Imaka, Chief Adebayo Osotimehin, welcomed the University Management and expressed the Community ’s desire to see the Federal Government’s takeover translate into visible development of the institution and its host environment.
The Mayegun of Imaka, Chief Osoyemi Osotimehin, was also present, alongside other traditional leaders, Community representatives, youths and residents.
Speaking on behalf of the Community, the Chairman of the Community Development Authority (CDA), Mr Dare Awofusi, raised issues concerning the development of the University’s land and the need for sustained communication between the institution and the Community.
Mr Ogunbanwo Afolabi and Mr Salewa Ojuri also contributed to the discussions, while the Youth Representative, Mr Tunde Oduntan, highlighted matters of interest to young people in the Community.
Other Community leaders present included Chief Omotayo, Oloritun of Imaka, Mr Kazzem Adetayo and Mr Alimi Bisoye.
The Community leaders expressed their willingness to cooperate with the University and the Federal Government in advancing the development of the institution and ensuring that its presence translated into tangible benefits for residents, particularly in Education, employment and infrastructure.
In the entourage of the Vice-Chancellor were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adekunle Adeogun FISN; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Rotimi Ettu; the Director, IVOTRA, Prof. Akinyode Timothy Olawumi; the Director, Physical Planning, Dr Olarenwaju; the Director, Works and Services, Mr Williams; the Deputy Director, Physical Planning, Mrs Yetunde Somuyiwa, among others.