Why we established Ibadan technical university ―Ajimobi

POISED to ensure the kick off the technical university, Ibadan, this October, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, on Tuesday, commissioned buildings and items donated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the university.

The donation, a 2013 intervention project of the CBN, consists of lecture halls, offices, boreholes and library.

Speaking, Ajimobi explained the state government established the university to produce professionals that are technically competent and imbued with requisite entrepreneurial skills.

He added that graduates of the institution would be those with entrepreneurial mind set and can solve societal problems using science, technology and engineering.

Ajimobi allayed fears on funding of the university, stating that the donation by the CBN exemplified the Public/Private Partnership funding pattern for the institution.

Commenting on the donation, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, harped on the need for the management of the institution to effectively maintain the equipment donated.

Emefiele, represented by CBN deputy governor (Operations) Mr Bayo Adelabu, averred that the intervention was relevant in the emerging digital knowledge economy.

He emphasized the relevance of research findings to boosting industry and commerce.

In his remarks, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi expressed positivity that the technical university would attend to the need for Nigerians to apply theoretical knowledge garnered practically.

Oba Adeyemi also prayed that the university will train people to have good character and entrepreneurial mind set.

Pro Chancellor of the university, Professor Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe assured that the 12 programmes to be offered in the university will tackle unemployment in the country.

He added that teaching emphasis will be on building skills, aside from imparting knowledge.

Also speaking, state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Niyi Olowofela said the university would invent and adapt technology from other climes and ensure that its products are relevant to demands of today’s world.

The list of dignitaries at the event were, Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Adeyemo; wife of the state governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdulganiyu Adekunle and Vice Chancellor of the technical university, Professor Ayo Salami.

Others are the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji represented by the Olubadan in council; South West Zonal Director, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mrs Bola Elushade, heads of the state’s tertiary institutions and a league of traditional rulers.