Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has assured management and unions in Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti that his administration is committed to ensuring the institution returns to its pride of place among Universities in Nigeria.
Governor Oyebanji gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received in audience a delegation of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti comprising management, Alumni and the four unions executives. Reiterating the resolve of his administration to providing a lasting solution to the myriads of problems facing the University.
He commended the various unions in the University for maintaining peace with the management of the institution despite the precarious situation the institution had found itself.
The Governor, who revealed that he was also an alumnus of the University with a sizeable members of his cabinet assured them that government would not play politics with the welfare of the various stakeholders in the University and promised to carry the unions along in any decision government might want to take concerning them.
Stressing the fact that funding had always being the major problems of the institution, Governor Oyebanji listed other problems to include structural, behavioural and perception charging the Unions to be realistic and always seek a round table solution as he promised them that all the identified problems would receive due attention.
“I know that funding is an issue but funding is not the only problem and because resources is not much, the little we have must give us the best value. Yes there is financial problem, there is structural problem, there is behavioural issues in EKSU, and there is a perception issue.
“There is need for the Unions to be realistic and to remember that no matter where we go, we will come back here to discuss. Government has its own fault, that’s the truth, yes I agree but my promise to all of us here today, because you have identify the problems in fairness there is solution, am so sure of that”. The governor stated.
He assured them that he would look through their reports and take necessary steps towards ameliorating their situation as he promised to inaugurate the University Council very soon.
He also promised to set up committee of alumni association, Unions, Management, Government, Council and Students to dissect the problems in EKSU and come up with implementable resolutions.
While calling on the Unions leaders to show more understanding and trust the government, Governor Oyebanji said he is committed to all facets of state matters including infrastructures, workers salary, pension, security and many others.
In his remark, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Edward Olanipekun expressed his appreciation to the Governor for his efforts at salvaging the university from collapse and express confidence that the outcome of the meeting would proffer a lasting solution to the University problem.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Joseph Ayodele lauded the Governor for his giant strides at repositioning the state with the hope that EKSU would also be a beneficiary of the development.
The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Dr Kayode Arogundade thanked the Governor for availing them the opportunity of speaking with him and listed the genesis of the problem facing the University to include reduction of school fees by some former Governors, reduction in number of admission given to pre-degree students by the Vice Chancellor among others.
Also present at the meeting were Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, Special Adviser on Education, Dr Kofoworola Aderiye, Special Adviser on Budget, Mr Niyi Adebayo and Special Adviser, Trade and Investment, Mrs Tayo Adeola.