The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has requested for collaboration to develop the tertiary education sector of the state.
This came few days after lecturers of the institution under the Academic Staff Union of Universities called on the Governor to intervene and save the institution from collapsing.
Aiyedatiwa said the collaboration was required to address accommodation issues experienced by students in the state, reiterating that the government alone could not meet all their needs.
This was embodied in a statement published by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan.
In the statement, the governor, who praised the students for their peaceful conduct, attested to the fact that since his assumption of office, there had been no reports of unrest or violent agitation within the student community, a development he credited to their discipline and constructive engagement.
The Governor called on private investors to build hostels within and around campuses to complement government efforts and enhance the security of the students.
“The government cannot provide everything. Resources are limited. That’s why we are calling on investors to build hostels for students on or near campuses. It’s a viable venture that will also enhance student security,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa iterated his administration’s renewed focus on technical and vocational education, describing it as vital to industrial growth and job creation.
He said, “We are paying more attention to technical education. Investors are coming, and they will need skilled labour.”
He also promised to put an end the electricity supply challenges at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, expressing optimism that the issue would be addressed promptly to enhance academic and research productivity.
As part of his administration’s commitment to student welfare, the governor announced the approval of five new buses for student bodies across tertiary institutions in the state, with more to come.
He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting education and youth development through scholarships, grants and other financial interventions.
“In the history of student unionism in this state, we have maintained peace and order because of your leadership style. You have been a father to us, and we appreciate your efforts in increasing bus allocations and extending support to private institutions,” he said.
The union complained that the university had suffered years of abandonment , with staff owed salaries and infrastructure decaying across the campus.
