By Law Ibitoye
The Vice Chancellor Federal University of Oye Ekiti, Prof. Abayomi Fasina has attributed the rising profile of the institution in Nigeria to innovation, wealth creation, prudence and academic prowees of the management.
Prof. Fasina disclosed this on Monday, 5th at a world press conference for the 8 convocation of the institution at the school premises.The Vice Chancellor said the sterling performances of the institution in all spheres had positive impact not only in Oye Ekiti but in all the neighbouring towns in the state. Reiterating that standard academics, discipline, prioritizing staff-students welfare and rapid infrastructural development had made the institution the most sought among the nine established universities in 2012 by former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
Prof. Fasina hinted that at present, the institution have over 40,000 students with 14 Faculties and satellite centres in six communities while others are yearning to benefit from the influx of students and it’s economic effect. Reeling his long list achievements in three years, Prof. Fasina said apart from the international and national acceptance of Federal University Oye, some lecturers and students of the institution who are exceptional in their field of studies had won several awards locally and internationally, adding that handful of the institution’s lecturers have been called to study abroad.
Adding that aggressive internally Generated Revenue via agriculture, business ventures( FUOYE pure water, Printing Press, Bakery), irrigation, international linkages, strong relationship and commitment from Alumni Association of the institution among others had kept the institution afloat.
The Vice Chancellor said his administration has built over 30 lecture rooms since he assumed office. Stressing that he bought shuttle buses to convey both students and staff to cushion effect of fuel subsidy removal and he ensured regular payment of staff salaries.
While speaking on the 8th convocation , the VC said the institution had 6563 graduands out of which 114 made first class whom he promised to employ, 2762 made 2nd class upper and 36 bagged Phd and 163 Master.
He added that three eminent personalities; Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Adeola Yayi and one other person would be decorated during the convocation on Saturday.
Reeling out his future programmes for the institution, Prof Fasina said he would strive harder to build Senate and lecturers buildings, establish post Doctorate System and ensure foreign countries partner the institution for research and academic exercises.
High point of the press conference was exhibition of the thirteen faculties of the institution. The Engineering Department produced electric vehicle that was test ran by the VC and mechatronic doors among others.
Speaking on the spate of insecurity in Nigeria, Prof Fasina called on Nigerians to be sensitive to their environment and united to combat the menace. He advocated for inventing technology that could helped combat insecurity. While suggesting that thick forest across Nigeria should be converted to farms which would provide jobs and enough food to Nigerians. He however condemned the gruesome murder of Onimojo and Elesun Ekiti.