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Akeredolu inaugurates governing councils for tertiary institutions

By Oluwaseun Akingboye, Akure.
20 March 2018   |   2:58 am
The Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has declared that there is urgent need review tuition fees paid in the state owned tertiary institutions, saying current charges are not enough to maintain the institutions.

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

The Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has declared that there is urgent need review tuition fees paid in the state owned tertiary institutions, saying current charges are not enough to maintain the institutions.Akeredolu said this during the inauguration of members of the governing councils of the institutions held at the state’s International Culture and Events Centre, in Akure.

Without mincing words, he said the governing council of the institutions can enhance educational performance and functionality through increment in tuition fees or by attracting endowment funds.Among those inaugurated were a lawyer and right activist, Dr. Tunji Abayomi as the Chairman / Pro Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko; Barrister Banji Alabi as Chairman, Governing Council, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), Owo; Dr. Tayo Fawehinmi as Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Ondo State University of Medical Science (UNIMED), Ondo.

Others were: Prof. Akinbo Adesomoju as Pro-Chancellor /Chairman, Ondo State University of Sciences and Technology (OSUSTECH), Okitipupa and Dr Tayo Fawehinmi as Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council, University of Medical Science (UNIMED), Ondo. While Femi Idris was inaugurated as Chairman of the state local government service Commission.

Assessing the present tuition fees, the governor who remarked that some of the tuition fees can only purchase a pair of shoe, urged the newly inaugurated members of the councils to improve on funding for the schools.The Chairman of RUGIPO, Banji, assured the governor of the council members to the rebirth of the institutions, pledging to build on the good foundations laid for the institution.

“Our task is to build on the foundation; and where expedient, to deconstruct and rebuild to meet changing realities so that we can sustain the relevance of the founding of this great institution.The chairman noted that he had reflected on the activities of the state polytechnic since he was appointed some few days ago, planning to envision new opportunities for transformational growth.

“Following our appointment, I have spent the last few days to reflect on the activities of the institution with a view to envisioning new opportunities and hope for transformation and growth. “The vision of the polytechnic, as we are all aware, is to be a leading technological Institution recognized globally for its quality, relevance and impact in the area of training and research for developing people and making a difference locally and globally.He iterated the demand for functional technology education, which he said is one of the most essential requirements in addressing the development issues confronting the country.

Affirming the urgency of creating effective synergy with other stakeholders, Alabi said “we shall form the roadmap of our activities from your input and contributions. We will value your criticisms, opinions and ideas. We will learn together what works. “Continuing learning is vital to continuous improvement. This is also consistent with my personal philosophy and the expectation of our founding fathers. The need to reposition this great institution of learning to reclaim its lost glory will be at the forefront of leadership consideration in the next few years.

“This we intend to champion and promote through institutionalized innovation, enhancement of internally generated revenue, streamlining operations and admission processes and digitalization of our services for the benefit of all our stakeholders and the present and future generations.“Importantly, we need to understand that times have changed and therefore must wear our innovation caps towards generating sufficient revenue internally, with little dependence on government and optimally utilizing our resources. Business as usual must be crippled.

“All departments must think outside the box in this time of scarcity and ideas must be bottom-up. Great institutions are birthed by great innovators. We are a technical-oriented institution, therefore we must live our calling by producing great ideas consistent with best practices in educational institutions across the globe with a view to improve our competitiveness and ranking in Nigeria.”

The chairman, in tandem with the vision of the governor, asserted that “we would soon be meeting with all the revenue generating centres and departments so as to resuscitate and reposition them to generate more funds and resources needed to drive our intentions for the institution.”According to him, “the Governing Council, under my leadership, will be exploring several initiatives to digitalize many of our processes. This will help streamline our operational and educational activities, block leakage and improve efficiency.”

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