Seriously, The Ogbomoso University needs ₦1.5b within 2wks, Soun to be met, other targets identified

Seriously, The Ogbomoso University needs ₦1.5b within 2wks, Soun to be met, other targets identified

Niyi AJALA

Advertisement

Education stakeholders in Ogbomoso, alongside sons and daughters of the ancient city, home and in the diaspora, have intensified efforts to mobilise ₦1.5 billion within the next two weeks to meet critical requirements for the take-off of Ogbomoso University and facilitate the process of obtaining its operating license.

The urgent fundraising campaign was the focus of a stakeholders’ meeting held at Royal Crown Hotel, Ogbomoso, on Saturday, with several indigenes and supporters participating online from within and outside Nigeria.

To meet the N1.5b target, the stakeholders’ gathering highlighted the need to converse with the Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, to brief him on the journey so far, and to seek his assistance towards facilitating investors and partners or those who can give out loans. “The need to come up with a sum of N1.5b within the next two weeks is crucial, if the dream of the proposed Ogbomoso University will be kept alive,” it was stated.

At the meeting, Professor Alice Jekayinfa presented an account of the university’s current financial position, explaining that substantial funds were still required to provide the necessary infrastructure and facilities for the institution to commence operations.

At her directive, Professor Misbahdeen Abdulhamid presented a breakdown of the funds received from various groups, giving participants an overview of financial contributions made so far towards the university project.

Professor Abdulhamid also traced the historical development of the university initiative, highlighting the progress made and the efforts of the present Soun of Ogbomoso in promoting the project and sensitising indigenes at home and abroad to the importance of establishing the institution.

As part of the development plans, approximately 50 hectares of land have been made available at Oolo for the university’s take-off. Oolo has also reportedly expressed its readiness to provide an additional 50 hectares to support the expansion of the project.

Advertisement

The university is envisioned to have campuses across different locations within Ogbomosoland, including Aipo in Oriire local government and Iresa-Adu in Surulere local government, alongside the proposed facilities at Oolo. This arrangement is intended to ensure that the institution’s presence and benefits extend across the wider Ogbomoso community rather than being concentrated in a single location.

However, following the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) first inspection visit, the university was reportedly required to provide additional structures and facilities to meet the necessary standards for approval and commencement.

Related News:

The stakeholders explained that the funds currently available are insufficient to meet these requirements. According to the financial presentation, approximately ₦1.5 billion is needed for renovations, construction and other essential infrastructure required to advance the licensing process and prepare the university for take-off.

On the contributions received so far, the meeting was informed that groups and individuals in four of the five local government areas associated with the Ogbomoso community four have made financial contributions towards the project, with only Ogo-Oluwa local government area yet to make its contribution, according to the update presented at the meeting.

Advertisement

Speakers call for collective responsibility and wider mobilisation

Various speakers at the meeting emphasised the need for Ogbomoso indigenes to unite, contribute financially and explore practical ways of ensuring the successful establishment of the university. They stressed that the project should be regarded as a collective responsibility requiring the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders.

The speakers also highlighted the numerous benefits associated with establishing a university, including expanded access to higher education, employment opportunities, economic growth, increased commercial activities and the overall development of Ogbomoso and its surrounding communities.

They urged individuals, community leaders, business owners, professionals and organisations to look beyond individual interests and support the initiative, noting that the success of the project would provide lasting benefits for present and future generations.

As part of the mobilisation strategy, the meeting also called for the active involvement of Ogbomoso socio-cultural organisations Worldwide, with a recommendation that the organisation’s leadership and branches across various states in Nigeria and in other countries be contacted to rally support for the project.

Advertisement

The stakeholders stressed the importance of reaching Ogbomoso indigenes wherever they reside, and encouraging them to participate in the fundraising campaign through financial contributions, strategic partnerships and other forms of assistance.

Two-week fundraising drive

With the immediate financial requirement put at ₦1.5 billion, the Ogbomoso University Committee has called on all sons and daughters of Ogbomoso, community leaders, professionals, business owners, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to intensify their efforts within the next two weeks.

The committee stressed that the period ahead is crucial to the university’s future, urging stakeholders to work collectively and make meaningful contributions towards achieving the fundraising target and fulfilling the requirements necessary to obtain the license.

The establishment of Ogbomoso University is expected to represent a significant milestone in the educational advancement and socio-economic development of the area, creating opportunities for young people while strengthening Ogbomoso’s position as an important centre of learning.

Advertisement

The stakeholders therefore appealed to all indigenes and supporters, both at home and abroad, to rise to the occasion, mobilise available resources and contribute their quota towards turning the long-standing university dream into reality.

The meeting emphasised that regarding the fundraising drive that as it is now, it is no more donors that are actually being sought but investors, who would have stakes and expect returns on their investments. Though donors are still welcome but investors are being sought urgently.

Then, aside meeting with Oba Ghandi, formation of teams of canvassers is also encouraged, in the bid to raise the required funds.

In addition, political office contenders would be target as “The question will be, ‘What have you contributed or what do you intend to contribute soon to The Ogbomoso University project?’ Those who contributed will definitely be favoured by the Ogbomoso people.”

The Ogbomoso University is being promoted primarily by Ogbomoso indigenes who are lecturers in various higher institutions led by Professor Timothy O. Olagbemiro, who taught in universities in Northern Nigeria, and who is a former Vice Chancellor of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun state, and Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta state.

Other initiators are Prof Josiah O. Ogunwole, Prof Abdul-Azeez Lawal and Dr. J.O. Owolabi, “who had all lived in and taught in universities in Northern Nigeria, and had witnessed the serious difficulties qualified indigenous Ogbomosos experienced in their university admissions to Northern universities.”

Below is the list of the current Exco:

Prof. Timothy Olagbemiro (Chairman), Prof. Joshua O. Ogunwole (Vice Chairman I), Prof. R.O. Rom Kalilu (Vice Chairman II), Prof. Femi Adekola (Vice Chairman Diaspora, US-Canada), Prof. Foluke Ishola (Vice Chairman Diaspora, Sweden-Europe) Dr. Lekan Adekola (Vice Chairman Diaspora, United Kingdom), Prof. Abdulazeez T. Lawal (Executive Secretary), Prof. Misbaudeen Abdul-Hammed (General Secretary), Prof. Ibrahim A. Adeyanju (Assistant General Secretary), Prof. Alice A. Jekayinfa (Financial Secretary/ Treasurer) and Prof. Mary Oladipo (Publicity Secretary)