By Law Ibitoye
The Ilupeju-Ekiti community in Ifeloju Local Council Development Area, has donated three buildings and a large expanse of land to support the take-off of the School of Nursing Science of the Federal University Oye‑Ekiti (FUOYE).
The buildings, located close to the palace of the Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, will serve as the temporary campus for the university’s Institute of Nursing Science. The facilities comprise two lecture halls and an administrative block, which will be used for academic and administrative activities of the institute.
National President of the Ilupeju Development Association (IDA), Elder Banji Ogungbemi, represented at the handing-over ceremony by a community leader and the immediate former president of the association, Dr. Femi Babalola, said the gesture was aimed at supporting the smooth take-off of the programme while work continues on the development of a permanent site.
Elder Ogungbemi disclosed that the community had already released about 105 plots of land for the permanent site of the Institute of Nursing Science.
He added that the temporary campus had been properly furnished to meet the immediate needs of staff and students, noting that twelve modern functional toilets were constructed within the premises to improve sanitation and convenience. According to him, electricity supply, boreholes and other water facilities were also provided to guarantee uninterrupted access to basic utilities at the campus. A Toyota saloon car was equally donated to support the institute’s operations and facilitate mobility for official duties.
“This is our way of supporting the institution and strengthening the partnership between the university and Ilupeju-Ekiti,” he said.
Ogungbemi further appealed to the management of the university to consider approving additional science-based programmes for the community, noting that the available land could accommodate more faculties with large student populations. He also urged the institution to give consideration to qualified indigenes of the town in the recruitment of both academic and non-academic staff.
The Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oba David Awe Akingbade, described Ilupeju as peaceful and conducive for academic activities, assuring the university of continued support. “The environment here is very conducive for teaching and learning, and we have always maintained peace and order to support development,” the monarch said, while encouraging the university to expand its programmes in the town.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Olamilekan Ogunwole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Tajudeen Opoola, said the gesture by the community symbolised trust, partnership and a shared commitment to advancing education, healthcare and community development.
He commended the Ilupeju Development Association for its vision and support, noting that the initiative played a significant role in making the project possible.
The vice-chancellor assured that the university would work to ensure that the Institute of Nursing Science grows into a centre of academic and professional excellence that would bring pride, recognition and sustainable development to Ilupeju-Ekiti.
Dignitaries at the event include; the Obanla of Ilupeju Ekiti, His Highness Sunday Ogunsola, Dr Femi Babalola, Members of Apeju in Council, top management of FUOYE among others.