By Fisayo Akinduro,  Osogbo

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Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has said his administration considers education and moral standing as essential tools for building leaders of tomorrow.
He said his government has also given education its prime place in the scheme of things as part of efforts to ensure sustainable development, all-round growth and transformation.
This is even as the Governor laid the foundation stone of a proposed International University in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government area of the State.
Oyetola, who described education and religion as timeless and potent instruments for the development and transformation of the society, said his administration has been providing qualitative, functional and affordable education for the children at all levels.
“The expediency of these two tools is even more compelling today that the society requires moral and ethical rebirth. It is therefore heartening that Minaret International University is combining religion and education to build the character of our youths and help them to acquire knowledge to deliver the future that we desire.
“Our administration considers education and good moral standing as essential tools for building leaders of tomorrow and ensuring sustainable development. Consequently, we have been providing qualitative, functional and affordable education for our children at all levels.
“As a proof of our commitment, we have been funding education as appropriate at all levels. For instance, in this year’s budget, the education sector got substantial share as about Eleven Billion Naira, representing 18 percent was allocated to the sector. Interestingly, 15 to 20 percent is the international benchmark.
“In line with the belief of the state that government cannot solely provide the education the State needs, successive governments have encouraged willing individuals and groups to establish schools at all levels.
“Consequently, Osun is home to top-notch tertiary institutions that are making their contributions to the development of the state and the nation.
“The establishment of Minaret International University is a welcome addition to this family. As a notable, knowledge-seeking and religion savvy institution known for its tradition of excellence, I have no doubt that Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at will build a university that is a centre of excellence in deed and in truth.
“I am also persuaded that the organisation will produce graduates who will be problem solvers and job creators,” Oyetola added.
Commending the leadership of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at for its decision to build a university in the state, Oyetola noted that the establishment of the new citadel of learning would further contribute positively to the educational development in the state.
He said the institution when completed would further help to propagate morality and ethics expected of noble citizens as its contribution to building a peaceful, competitive and prosperous Osun.
“Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria has proved over the years to be a frontline Muslim organisation in the propagation of the Islamic faith.
“It has also demonstrated an irredeemable commitment to the peace, progress and welfare of the people and State of Osun and the nation. These contributions are traceable to the visionary leadership of the organisation.
“On behalf of the Government and People of the State of Osun, I express sincere appreciation to this notable organisation for its services to the State and humanity,” he added.
Earlier, the National Head, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Barrister Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, appreciated the unflinching support received from the state government towards the actualisation of the foundation laying of the project.
He said the leadership of the Muslim organisation was resolute to build an innovative university with a difference and compete favourably with its counterparts across the globe in line with international best practices.
According to him, the proposed university would be value-focused, employment-focused and a world-class tertiary institution for the intellectual and manpower development of human resources for sustainable socioeconomic development nationally, regionally and internationally.