Adeyemi College will be upgraded to university soon —Senator

A member representing Ondo Central senatorial district at the Upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Omotayo Donald Alasoadura, has given assurance that final arrangement has been concluded for the passage of the bill required for the upgrade of Adeyemi College of Education ((ACE) Ondo to a University of Education.

The lawmaker dropped the hint while speaking at the 2018 Democracy Symposium organised by the 2017/2018 Student Union Executives of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, held on 29 May, 2018 in the institution.

Speaking further on the college’s status upgrade, Senator Alasoadura said as part of efforts aimed at ensuring the realisation of the goal and provision of necessary cash-backing, the lawmakers had included a sum of N1 billion in the 2018 budget, recently passed and transmitted to President Muhammad Buhari for his assent.

Senator Alasoadura congratulated the students for organising the programme and enjoined them to pay serious attention to their studies.

In his remarks, the Provost, ACE Ondo, Professor Olukoya Ogen represented by his Deputy, Dr Samuel Akintunde, described the day as very important and lauded the student’s body for organising the event.

Professor Ogen stressed the need for citizens of the country to work for development and sustenance of democracy, as he enjoined staff and students of the college to continue to contribute positively to the growth and advancement of the nation.

Also in his address, dean, Student Affairs of the college Mr Olaniyi Olaluwoye, stated that the symposium was organised by the students as part of their contributions towards ensuring sustenance of democracy and production of credible leaders,  needed for taking Nigeria to higher level.

Olaluwoye congratulated the 2017/2018 Students’ Union Executive for sustaining the legacy bequeathed to them by their predecessors through the organisation of the symposium, while he appreciated the management of the college for supporting the student’s body morally and financially.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Student’s Union President, Comrade Zubair Taofeek Abidemi, described the day as special and thanked the college’s management for support extended to the union.

In his keynote address delivered at the occasion, vice-chancellor of the@ Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, Professor Friday Okonofua, stressed the importance of education and the need for sustenance of current democratic dispensation in the country.

Professor Okonofua represented by a staff of the University, Professor Odinmayo Simidele outlined what he described as correlation between education and leadership, saying when combined, the duo would help in “raising the ability of the led to solve problems through inspiration and encouragement.”

The lead paper presenter, Dr Samson Areola Odedina, Provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA), represented by a lecturer at the FECA, Dr Abiodun Adeeko, highlighted the importance of education in society, saying, “as liberator, education widens the range of options to the populace and also facilitates opportunities for them to have access and capacity to use information made available to them prudently.”

He stressed the need for the government to provide access to education, while he also encouraged the citizens of the country to participate actively in politics.

The highpoint of the event, which held was at the New Centre for Educational Technology (CET) building was the presentation of awards to seven eminent personalities including, Senator Omotayo Alasoadura; Honourable Iranola Akinlaja; Vice Chancellor UNIMED, Professor Friday Okonofua, Provost, Federal College of Agriculture Akure (FECA), Dr Samson Areola Odedina and a host of others.