President Bola Tinubu recently approved the establishment of two Federal Universities of Agriculture in Ekiti and Osun States, respectively. Weekend Hope spoke with some indigenes of the beneficiary states, who expressed divergent views. Excerpt

By Michael Ofulue & Precious Owolabi

Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye, The Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State

This is a great move! I want to appreciate President Tinubu, because education is key to progress, and this university will help in training professionals that will contribute to our state and country.
It will bring more jobs, improve infrastructure and attract more developments to Ekiti State.
Having a university in Iyin will really boost our economy. More businesses will spring up, and our youths will have better access to education right here at home.
This university will not only improve education but also enhance technology and manpower development.
It’s a win for everyone.

Chief Adewale Alade, Chairman, Araromi LCDA, Ekiti State

I think it’s a great opportunity for our community. And I want to call on all well-meaning sons and daughters of Araromi to support the project. I believe it will speed up the process and benefit everyone.
The university will boost development and create jobs for our youths. We need more opportunities like this in our town.
If we all contribute in one way or another, the university will take off faster, and our community will grow.
I just hope the government and the people work together to make it happen quickly. This could change lives of Iyin people.

Mr. Adedeji Adesokan, Special Assistant to Ekiti State Governor on Traffic Management

A Federal University in our town? This is a dream come true! I’m grateful to everyone who made this possible.
This is a big step for Iyin Ekiti! We appreciate Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, for making this happen and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for approving it. Education is the key to progress.
His personal conviction to contribute to the development of his country home and supporting the university, will give our children more opportunities for a better future.
Honestly! Iyin Ekiti is moving forward!
I’m donating a bungalow for the new university to show my real commitment to the development.

Mr. Oluomo Sunday Akere, Former Commissioner for Information and Strategy to former Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State

The decision of the Federal Government to establish a University of Agriculture in Iragbiji is a laudable move which must be commended by everybody.
Iragbiji is a town that is endowed with wide expanse of land which can be adequately utilised for learning and cultivation by the newly approved institution.
The institutions established will also help the school contribute its quota to the educational development of the state. President Tinubu knows the importance of education to sustainable development in a nation.
The country is trying to diversify the economy from petroleum to Agriculture which has been a very good alternative to aid development.

Mr. Olowu Emmanuel, Chairman, Osun State CDHR’s

For me, this is not the right time to establish any additional universities to the existing ones. Many universities in Nigeria presently, are struggling with deteriorating infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate research facilities, and recurrent issues such as unpaid staff salaries.
Therefore, government’s focus on creating new institutions without addressing these systemic problems, reflects misplaced priorities that will jeopardise the quality of higher education and the future of Nigerian youths.
The federal government should prioritise adequate funding for current institutions to ensure conducive learning environments, competitive remuneration for academic staff, and improved research infrastructure.
Without deliberate and sustained investment in strengthening the quality of higher education, Nigeria risks further intellectual stagnation and a worsening brain drain crisis.
So, my take on this issue is, the government should halt the establishment of new universities until the existing challenges are effectively addressed.

Mr. Olusola Megbowon, Student

I want to thank President Bola Tinubu for the approval of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti.
As a student, I know this is a monumental step towards technological and environmental advancement in Nigeria. It also confirms the President’s foresight in expanding Nigeria’s academic infrastructure to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
The new university will also help to address pressing national and global challenges such as digital innovation, climate change and sustainable energy solutions.
I will only advise the stakeholders especially the federal government to ensure the swift takeoff of the institution which is expected to have positive impacts on the communities and the education sector.

Mr. Jamiu Olawumi

Former Special Adviser on Education to former

Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State

I commend President Tinubu for his efforts in this direction. I can assure that it will help a long way in boosting the revenue of the state.
We don’t have enough varsities going by the growing nature of our population.
The advantages are also quite many, ranging from job creation, capacity building and socialization. Infrastructure is a developing issues that will continue to grow by demand and supply-even Harvard University is still improving on her infrastructure.