The Ilupeju Development Association has handed over physical structures and equipment valued at more than ₦300 million to the Federal University Oye Ekiti. The donation is intended to facilitate the take off of the FUOYE Institute of Nursing Sciences, domiciled in the community.
Representing the Chairman of the Association, Dr Femi Babalola, the community appreciated the University management for bringing their aspirations to reality. He expressed gratitude to the former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Fasina, and the incumbent, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, for approving their request to host the institution.
“What was conceived as a dream in years past, specifically August 2023, became a reality today, culminating in the hoisting of the FUOYE Institute of Nursing Sciences in Ilupeju Ekiti,” Babalola stated.
He detailed the assets released for the Institute’s growth. These include the former Ilupeju Civic Centre serving as Lecture Hall 1, the Community Library as Lecture Hall 2, and the ICT centre as the administrative building. Dr Babalola emphasized that the handed over site is temporary.
“Meanwhile, what we are handing over, the worth which is over three hundred million in value includes: the former Ilupeju Civic Centre as a Lecture Hall 1, the former Community Library comprising two sizable halls as Lecture Hall 2; and the former Community ICT is to serve as the Administrative building,” he revealed.
He added that 105 plots of land have been earmarked for a permanent site to accommodate future expansion and other faculties. Other items donated include a Toyota saloon car, a generating set, tables, chairs, modern toilets, and boreholes.
Receiving the items on behalf of the University, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, praised the community’s commitment to education. Represented by his Deputy on Administration, Prof. Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, the VC described the gesture as a significant milestone.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the life of a community: University partnerships and relationships. It further heightens the town and gown engagement of our University,” the Vice Chancellor remarked.
He assured the Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, HRM Oba Sunday D.A. Akingbade, that the facility would be put to effective use.
“I wish to, on behalf of my Vice Chancellor, assure Your Royal Majesty and the good people of Ilupeju Ekiti that the Federal University Oye Ekiti will put this facility into effective and productive use. The University is committed to ensuring that the Institute operates at the highest academic and professional standards in line with national and international best practices in nursing education,” Prof. Ogunwole promised.
The monarch appealed to the management to bring more faculty to the community to further deepen the relationship.
