The Governor of Oyo State and Visitor to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning the institution for greater competitiveness with other tertiary institutions within and outside the country.
Makinde made this known through his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, during the 35th Founders’ Day Anniversary of the institution in Ogbomoso.
He assured that his government is determined to further enhance the university’s potential and capability to take a leading role in global academic advancement.
The governor, who expressed satisfaction with the Governing Council led by Professor Ayodeji Oludare Omole and the university’s management, commended the notable achievements recorded since Oyo State assumed full ownership of the institution. He pledged continued investment in LAUTECH to ensure it attains even greater heights.
He said, “The most delightful development would be in seeing LAUTECH rank among the 50 best universities globally, and this is achievable considering what we envisioned for the institution.”
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Razaq Rom Kalilu, reported that scholars at the institution are making significant breakthroughs. “Twenty-three of our researchers severally won the TETFund for Institution Based Research for research in various fields,” he stated.
He added that two teams of researchers led by Professors J. A. Badmus and E. A. Adebayo respectively won the National Research Fund for the development of indigenous non-caffeinated herbal leaves aimed at reducing non-communicable diseases and the production of mushrooms for the development of a novel immune booster.
Similarly, the Form and Material Technology team led by Professor R. O. R. Kalilu has successfully developed stoneware ceramic glazes from horticultural and animal waste and cullet.
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According to him, “In sports, our athletes have been keeping the flag of the university flying. In the 11th All Africa University Games (FASU) held in September 2024, of the 69 universities from all over Africa that participated in the games, LAUTECH came 11th with 4 Gold, 1 Silver, and 5 Bronze medals.
“Two of our athletes have qualified to represent Nigeria in the World University Games (FISU) coming up in Germany in July 2025.”
He added, “It is noteworthy that the university’s rating and ranking have been on a continuous ascent since 2023. In 2025, in the Times Higher Education’s World University Ranking, it retains its position as the best state university in Nigeria.”
The high point of the ceremony was the unveiling of a statue of Governor Seyi Makinde in recognition of his unprecedented contributions to the growth and development of the university.
Traditional rulers in attendance included the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola, while the Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran, was represented.
Some of the graduating students, including master’s degree graduands Abdulfatai Olagunju and Ooreoluwa Adebiyi, and PhD graduand Abiola Folawiyo, expressed confidence in their ability to make remarkable impacts in their respective fields, commending the institution for imparting them with excellent knowledge.
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