The serene community of Okeho in the Oke-Ogun region of Oyo State was a hive of activity as officials from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Federal Ministry of Education arrived for a crucial verification exercise for the proposed Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO).
The visit, marked by pomp and pageantry, brought together a host of local dignitaries and community leaders, all eager for the university’s official takeoff.
The delegation, led by Hajjia Rakiat Ilyas, Director at the Federal Ministry of Education, was taken on a guided tour of the university’s temporary site at Awoyemi Commercial High School, Okeho.
Professor Jacob Babayemi, a member of the project committee, showcased the various structures and facilities prepared to accommodate the nascent institution. The community’s proactive preparation for the university’s temporary site was highly praised by Hajjia Ilyas, who commended the project committee, led by Dr. Oyeleye Bolarinwa, for their diligence and hard work.
She urged the community to “leave no stone unturned” in completing the remaining projects to ensure the university’s smooth launch.
The visit highlighted a strong sense of community ownership and support for the project. Hon. Najimdeen Oyeshina Oyedeji, the House of Representatives member for the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency, expressed his gratitude to key figures instrumental in the university’s establishment, like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Fatai Buhari, Professor Segun Gbadegesin and others. He emphasized that while the university is located in Okeho, it belongs to all indigenes of the Oke-Ogun axis, urging them to show commitment to its development.
The lawmaker also took the opportunity to debunk rumours of receiving a N1 billion constituency allowance, clarifying that such funds, as budgeted, are for the general welfare of his constituents.
On his part, the Executive Chairman of Kajola Local Government, Hon. (Barr) Akeem Mustapha (MUGATY), who served as the chief host, expressed his delight at receiving the education stakeholders. He affirmed that the local government had fulfilled its promise to rehabilitate the access roads leading to the temporary site.
He also pledged continued collaboration with the Egbe Omo-Ibile Okeho and the project committee to ensure the university attains its full potential.
Other prominent figures also spoke passionately about the project. Hon. Musbau Azeez (ACTION), representing Kajola State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, called on landlords, business owners, and market women to avoid price inflation as students and staff prepare to arrive.
Similarly, Hon. Saheed Adejare Alaran, former Executive Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, described the university’s establishment as a “blessing” and appealed to all sons and daughters of the soil to contribute to its success. He specifically mentioned that he and Alhaji Ahmed Raji, SAN, would ensure their contributions are formally noted.
The community’s collective effort was underscored by the personal sacrifice of individuals like Dr. Oyewusi Timothy (Dr. Wuraola), who offered his hotel rooms to serve as temporary student hostels. Said others should be inspired to come forward and support the new institution. The palpable excitement and sense of optimism among the executive chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Hon. Rasaq Fadiran, community leaders, dignitaries, and residents alike showed that FUNATO is not just a project but a shared dream poised to transform the region’s educational and economic landscape.
