We’ll resuscitate technical education in Oyo — Makinde

Amid growing concerns over the dearth of vocational skills among the youth populace and the relegation of technical education, Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has declared that his government will refurbish technical colleges and re-launch vocational education in the state.

Makinde noted that the initiative is aimed at addressing youth unemployment, stating that the Oyo State Government, with the support of the Finnish Government, will undertake the refurbishing of technical colleges in the state.

The governor made this statement on Saturday while speaking at the Ajegunle Baptist Church, Saki, during the funeral service for a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Chief Michael Koleoso, who passed away a few weeks ago.

The governor, who eulogised the late elder statesman for his selflessness and commitment to the development of his community and the state, said that the quality of advice he received from Pa Koleoso helped him personally and also contributed to the administration and development of the state.

He named the 9.7km Saki Township Road after the late politician and announced that the State Executive Council had concluded plans to rename The Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, after Koleoso.

According to the governor, Pa Koleoso never engaged in religious or divisive politics, as he always advised him on various matters of concern to the state, including the ongoing rehabilitation of roads in Ibadan, the state capital.

He said: “We thank God for today because we are here to celebrate a life well-lived. There is no doubt we lost one of our finest minds, be it in business, management, governance, or even politics.

“It is a personal loss to me because Baba told everyone until he breathed his last, that though he had quit politics, he would continue supporting Seyi Makinde’s government. So, I had the opportunity to spend quality time with Baba. And I can tell you that he never asked for anything for himself or his children.

“Before he died, he told me there was no Permanent Secretary from Oke Ogun serving in this government. I explained that there used to be, but they had retired. So, he requested replacements, and it was done.

He said, “In another instance, he advised me to fix Ibadan apart from linking all the zones, and I assured him it would be done. If you visit the state capital today, you will see the ongoing works. His wise counsel has benefited not only me but the entire state.”

Makinde further revealed that a few days before Pa Koleoso’s passing, while he was in Finland engaging with education officials, they emphasised the importance of technical education over paper qualifications.

He said, “I told Baba that the refurbishment of the Saki Technical College, which he requested, would be worked on. It will be done with the assistance of the Finnish government—I have signed it already. The technical colleges in Ibadan and Saki will be the first to be refurbished, starting with the 2025 budget.”

Makinde also assured that the Saki-Ogbooro-Igboho Road would be completed in honour of Pa Koleoso, who urged him to ensure the project’s completion.

He added that his government recognises the economic connection between Saki and the surrounding local governments—Saki East, Oorelope, Olorunsogo, and Irepo—and would extend the road from Igboho to Igbeti and Kisi.

The governor further announced that the State Executive Council had approved the repair of the road spur connecting Agbonle in Saki East Local Government.

Earlier in his message, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu eulogised Chief Koleoso’s uncommon virtues and pledged to collaborate with the Oyo State Government to immortalise the late political icon, who contributed immensely to national development and politics.

The president was represented by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr. Zacchaeus Adedeji.

Dignitaries at the funeral service included National Assembly members, serving and former federal officials, and key state figures.

Among those in the governor’s entourage were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, and his wife, Ajibola; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) and former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Hassim Gbolarunmi; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice M.O. Ishola; and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu.

Also present were the co-chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr. Saka Balogun, along with commissioners and other top government functionaries.