Ogbomoso University Project Seeks ₦1.5bn Ahead of NUC Visit

Invest in Ogbomoso University project, committee appeals to indigenes as NUC visits September

Yinka ADETUNJI

The dream to establish The Ogbomoso University (TOU) has entered a crucial stage as the Nigeria University Commission (NUC) prepares to make its second visit in September for final assessment of the site and other requirements.

The commission made its first visit last December for an on-location evaluation of the proposed campus infrastructure while the next would focus on a final conclusive inspection of the grounds and facilities.

Towards this end the Ogbomoso Academics the body promoting the private institution has appealed to indigenes to rally round in raising the required fund to host NUC in September.

According to the body in a statement made available to ogbomosoinsightonline.com signed by Prof. Kayode John Oyewumi (chairman, fund raising committee of Ogbomoso Academics) and Prof. Misbaudeen Abdul-Hammed (convener, fund raising committee/general secretary), a sum of N1.5b (One billion five hundred million naira) is needed for it to be ready for the NUC in order not to jeopardize the process.

The committee describes the project as a collective responsibility and a legacy for Ogbomoso as a community, noting it would serve as a catalyst for development in many sectors.

“The Ogbomoso University will serve as a catalyst for the educational, economic, social and technological transformation of our town.”

It adds, “This project is much more than the establishment of another university. It is a strategic investment in the future of our community. A well-established university will attract students, lecturers, researchers, investors, businesses and service providers. It will create direct and indirect employment, stimulate housing and transportation, increase demand for goods and services, improve infrastructure and ultimately contribute significantly to the economic prosperity of our people.”

The committee however expresses concern over the raising the requisite financial resources needed to meet the target. “However, despite the importance and enormous potential of this project, we are deeply concerned about the low level of financial contributions from members. At our present rate of contribution, it will be extremely difficult to achieve the ambitious objectives we have collectively set for ourselves.”

It therefore appeals for greater financial commitment submitting, “we cannot expect outsiders to build what we, as members of the community, are unwilling to support substantially.”

It stresses that whatever is contributed should be viewed “as investments in the future of our children, our families and our community.”

It underlines the benefits of such a university, stressing it would make Ogbomoso a thriving community especially in terms of economic buoyancy. “Imagine a university campus thriving in our town: students renting houses, buying food, using transportation, patronising shops, employing artisans and service providers, while academic and administrative staff contribute their purchasing power to the local economy. Imagine new businesses emerging around the university and our young people gaining employment opportunities without having to leave the community.”

Asserting such investment is worth it, they state, “Years from now, our children and grandchildren may walk through the gates of this university. They may study there, work there, conduct research there or establish businesses around it. When that happens, they should be able to say: ‘Our fathers and mothers contributed to making this possible.’ That is the kind of legacy worth pursuing.”

“We therefore appeal to every member to reconsider his or her level of financial commitment and make a more substantial contribution towards this noble project. If you have previously pledged an amount, kindly consider increasing it. If you have not yet fulfilled your pledge, we urge you to do so as soon as possible. If your circumstances permit, please consider making an additional contribution beyond your original commitment.”

The committee also charges indigenes to bring their friends, relatives, business associates and other well-meaning members of the community to support this historic initiative.

“The opportunity before us is too important to be delayed by inadequate financial commitment. We must rise above individual interests and work together for the greater good of our community,” it added. “Let us give this project the financial support it deserves. Let us demonstrate that we believe in the future of our town. Let us invest today in an institution that can generate economic opportunities for generations to come. Together, we can build it. Together, we can transform our community. Together, we can leave a legacy that will outlive us.”

While appreciating “past contributions and sacrifices, and we respectfully appeal for renewed and increased financial commitment at this critical stage of the project.”