Ex-NYSC DG commends Tinubu for approving new varsity in Ekiti

A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Johnson Olawumi (retd), has commended President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the bill for the establishment of the new Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti.

He promised to rally key stakeholders in the community on the issue of security.
President Bola Tinubu had, on Thursday, given his assent to bills establishing two new federal universities.

The institutions are the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State.
The announcement was made by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, following the signing of the two legislations at the State House, Abuja.

The Senate had passed both bills—sponsored by Bamidele in 2023 and 2024—before securing concurrence from the House of Representatives and eventual presidential approval.
Reacting, Olawumi, in a statement on Friday, expressed profound happiness over the new university, saying, “This is one of the best moments ever in our community, with the joy resonating among indigenes all over the world.

“We want to encourage students to come from all over the country—North, South, East, and West—because the people of Iyin Ekiti are accommodating and peace-loving and will ensure a conducive atmosphere for all students, irrespective of their religious and tribal affinity.”

The retired military general affirmed that the university will further put Iyin Ekiti on the global map, building on the developmental achievements recorded by notable past leaders, including the late General Adeyinka Adebayo and the first civilian governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo.
He said the importance of the university to the community.

“It will open the community up to global attention and provide direct and indirect jobs for many of the teeming youths within the neighbouring communities and even across the state. There is no doubt that the university will further promote socio-economic growth and galvanize infrastructure development in the state,” he added.

The former NYSC DG further commended former Governor Kayode Fayemi, the incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and all great Ekiti leaders who, in the past, have contributed to the development of the town.

He said that they laid the foundation for the establishment of the university.
He singled out the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, whom he described as the “Okan L’omo of Ekiti Land” for working assiduously, deploying all his diplomatic and God-given wisdom to sponsor the bill in the Senate chambers, facilitating its passage in both chambers and leading to the final assent by Mr. President.

Olawumi was full of praises for the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Ajakaiye, whose tenure has continued to witness peace and giant developmental strides in the town.

The retired general, who is the Jagunmolu of Iyin Ekiti, called on all sons and daughters of the town, especially those in the diaspora, to join efforts in supporting the government as the school prepares to take off.