Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has pledged to meet the target of United nation on education in 2020 budget, saying that education is a key element to development.
The Governor stated this today in his address at the unveiling of Uduimo Itsueli Foundation Building and Commissioning of the Isaac Folorunso Adewale Library of Tomorrow (IFA-LoT), held at the University of Ibadan Research Foundation Building.
According to him, education is a key aspect of development in any country and whosoever want to key in should be ready to invest in it.
Speaking through his Deputy, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, Makinde noted that in realization of quality and standard education, his administration will do everything possible to ensure and sustain free education in the state.
Reiterating the importance of research, Engr. Makinde stated that effort of research in developing the nation cannot be over emphasized, saying that it’s the cornerstone of knowledge and development.
He therefore pledged his administration’s readiness to welcome and support any activities that will make research publication available to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
While unveiling the Uduimo Itsueli Foundation Building, the Governor of the State of Osun, Governor Gboyega Oyetola, stated that Library and Research are the core requirements in measuring the standard of university in the world adding that university of Ibadan is still the first among universities in Nigeria.
He commended professor Adewole for his vision to promote standard of education through researches, he however enjoined other universities in Nigeria to emulate the vision.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, stated that the Research Library was to create platforms to make research count for national development as well as to improve Nigeria economy.
He added that this will also enhance production of leaders who can use research and its results to address the challenges of the society, capture the aspirations of our people and chart the path for national development.
Prof. Idowu stressed that the Idumo Itsueli Foundation Building was designed to make University of Ibadan Research Foundation a formidable platform to stimulate the contributions of research leaders at the university and Nigeria at large.
Speaking on Isaac Folorunso Adewole Library of Tomorrow (IFA-LoT), the University of Ibadan Vice Chancellor said IFA-LoT was the vision of Prof. Isaac Adewole as part of celebration of his 71 year journey of University of Ibadan on producing sound minds and dedicated leaders.
He added that the library consist of four major platforms to facilitate access to knowledge and Information from research to address societal and community needs at the fingertips of the stakeholders.
He therefore urged stakeholders in research industries and government to support the vision so as to have viable researches in Nigeria.
In his vote of thanks, the former Minister for and one time Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole thanked the Governor of Oyo and Osun as well as the Vice Chancellor, University if Ibadan for sustaining the foundation.
