By Kabirat Sodunke, Ikere-Ekiti
President Muhammad Buhari on Friday commissioned the Vocational Education workshop complex worth N318.8million in the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere -Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Unveiling the project, Buhari expressed satisfaction with the newly inaugurated project, noting that the facility was 2017/ 2019 merged intervention project.
The president represented by Minister of Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, said that the project would in on small measure aid teaching, learning and research for global competitiveness.
He noted that the infrastructural project was a clear testament to the irrevocable commitment of his goverment to provide institutions with basic infrastructure and educational needs that are required for human capital development.
He commended the positive impacts of Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFUND) to the development of education sector through various intervention projects in universities across the country.
He noted that TETFUND footprints were visible in tertiary institutions across the country, most especially in the provision of infrastructures, support for academic staff training and development, research, among others.
“I wish to reiterate that education forms an integral part of this administration’s agenda, hence the Federal Government would continue to provide necessary support towards making our educational institutions competitive for economic and technological development of the country.
“It is also important to note that the Fund has also sponsored 155 lecturers from the University for Ph.D. degrees totaling N675.9m. While Masters Degrees and bench work gulped N130.5 m and N28.1 million respectively. 224 staff have also been sponsored to attend conferences Attendance totaling N125million”.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono commended the management of the universities for their efforts towards ensuring the timely completion of the projects.
Echono who was represented by Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Babatunde Olajide, said that the projects would help the institutions in expanding the frontiers of qualitative and functional education.
The BOUESTI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa lauded TETFUND for the projects, saying the facilities would not only change face of the institution but equip students with the acquisition of relevant skills and knowledge that will give them competitive edge above their peers.
Prof. Adeoluwa promised to utilise and maintain the structures for the good of all students, adding that the university
would take advantage of the new project to advance vocational training among staff and students.
Among notable personalities present at the Chairman of the university governing council, Prof. Aina, Prof. Patrick Oladipo, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor,Dr Ibitola makinde.
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