By Michael Ofulue – Osogbo
The Osun State Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, has declared the Osun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa (OSCO-HEALTH), as a critical institution in the transformation of the health technology sector in the state and Nigeria at large.
Eluwole made this known while receiving members of the Governing Board and Management Team of the College, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Osogbo.
The Commissioner, who commended the delegation led by the Board Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Adegoke, and the Provost, Dr. Lateef Olarewaju Raheem, said the institution’s rising relevance aligns with the collective vision of technological innovation in the health sector—a key priority for both state and federal governments.
He reiterated the commitment of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration to the development and repositioning of OSCO-HEALTH, disclosing that the institution has been captured among the state-owned tertiary institutions set to benefit from the upcoming road infrastructure upgrade projects.
“Progressive governments globally are prioritising investments in health technology education, and Osun State is poised to follow suit. We are determined to make OSCO-HEALTH a model health tech institution in Nigeria,” Eluwole stated.
Earlier in his remarks, the Board Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Adegoke, assured the Commissioner of the Board’s resolve to actualise the Governor’s vision for the institution.
He maintained that students’ and staff welfare remains a priority, adding that efforts are underway to boost the College’s visibility and academic standing.
On his part, the Provost, Dr. Lateef Olarewaju Raheem, appreciated the Ministry of Education for its sustained support and appealed for the Commissioner’s assistance in upgrading the College to a polytechnic status.
He noted that such an upgrade would enable the institution to benefit from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), which it currently cannot access, despite having fulfilled several critical requirements.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Murtala Jimoh, who welcomed the delegation, described the visit as timely and commendable. He assured of continued collaboration between the Ministry and the institution.
Also present during the visit were other members of the political board: Alhaji Isiaka Akinlabi, Chief Mrs. Serifat Adenike, and Akinjimi Sunday.
Management members of the College in attendance included the Registrar, Mr. Mushood Afolabi; Bursar, Mr. Yinka Olaleye; Librarian, Mrs. Kemi Ibitoye; and Director of Works, Engr. Imran Kareem.