The paramount ruler of the Ilawe kingdom, Oba Ajibade Adebanji Alabi has assured the staff and prospecting students of the newly established Federal College of Education in the community of the best hospitality ever.
Oba Alabi, who is the immediate past Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers gave this commitment during the ceremony marking the official takeover of the 107 Hectares of land released by the community for the institution’s permanent site.
The erstwhile facility of the Government Girls College, Ilawe-Ekiti, built by the Federal Government, had also been temporarily released for takeoff of the new institution.
The monarch posited that creating a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning is the best way the community could reciprocate the good gesture and special favour accorded the town by the Federal Government.
Specifically, Oba Alabi said he had warned his subjects to be friendly with their guests and shun all acts that could undermine the peaceful coexistence of the institution with the host community.
The monarch, therefore warned landlords in the community against negatively basking in the euphoria and opportunity provided by the new institution, by hiking house rents or prices of food stuffs and services which may make life difficult for both workers and students.
Alawe thanked former President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the tertiary institution for the community and also thanked his successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for following up, on the letter.
” This is a dream come true, and we are glad for it. As a grateful community, we will continue to support all the people-oriented programmes of the federal and state governments
” Besides, we want to assure that as a responsible community, we will take direct owner ownership by making sure the school is well protected, even as we ask for more” Oba Alabi said.
Taking possession of the documents, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Andrew Adejo(OON) described the event as a milestone in the government’s commitment to the development and enhancement of the Education Sector in our great Nation.
He said the establishment of the new Institution is a practical demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering determination to expand educational opportunities and invest in the training of future educators.
” This is evidence of one of Mr. President’s commitment to actualizing the present Administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It is hoped that this development will help provide quality education and foster intellectual growth across the State and the nation at large.
“As we take over the site of this newly established institution, let us reflect on the transformative power of Education. This College Education will serve as a hub of knowledge, innovation, and inspiration for aspiring Educators. It will be a place where ideas flourish, where curiosity is nurtured, and where the flame of learning is kept alive. By establishing this Institution, we are not just constructing physical structures; we are laying the foundation for a brighter and more educated future for Nigeria.
“To the State Government and the Local Community, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your warm welcome and unwavering support. The synergy between you and the Federal Government will undoubtedly contribute to the success and growth of the newly established Federal College of Education. Your commitment to the success of this college is crucial, and together, we can create an educational institution that will be a source of pride for generations to come”
The pioneer Provost of the institution, Dr Ikuejube Ajigbade, explained that the College of Education was a special one, and a two-in-one school, as it would serve as both a College of Education and University, awarding both NCE Certificate and Degrees.
According to him, the college would run courses in Education, Sciences and Technology, while plans are also to extend the trend to vocational and allied studies, to produce job creators.
The State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji who was represented on the occasion, by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr Kofoworola Aderiye, congratulated the Ilawe community for the siting of the institution in the area, expressing gratitude to the federal government.
Aderiye, whose speech was delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Teaching Service Commission,(TESCOM), Ekiti, Mr Michael Omolayo, commended the community for already making available, a total of 107 Hecters of land for its permanent site, saying the site had been surveyed by state Surveyor-General, for further necessary action.
He announced that the erstwhile facility of the Government Girls College, Ilawe-Ekiti, which was built by the Federal Government, had also been temporarily released for the taking-off of the Federal College of Education, pending the development of the permanent site.
“Let me at this juncture appreciate His Royal Majesty, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Afuntade 1, Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti and the Alawe-in-Council for the prompt release of a large expanse of land as a permanent site along Ilawe/Ikere road. The permanent site has been surveyed and the survey plan has been duly approved by the Surveyor-General of Ekiti State for further necessary action.
“In the meantime, the erstwhile facility of the Government Girls’ College, Ilawe-Ekiti which was built by the Federal Government has been temporarily released for the taking-off of the Federal College of Education pending the development of the permanent site.
“The Ekiti State Government will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the smooth take-off of the College in Ekiti State. Our Visitors from the Federal Ministry of Education will be conducted around both the permanent and the temporary sites for their assessment as requested. I do not doubt that the Ilawe community will continue to provide a peaceful environment for the College to thrive, going by their commitment so far; more so that the College will promote the socio-economic development of the town.
“Ekiti State is known as the Fountain of Knowledge. The people love, seek, and celebrate knowledge. It is therefore a logical choice to turn knowledge into the primary product in which we can trade successfully. To this end, the Government cherishes education at all levels and will continue to attract governmental and non-governmental interventions to promote Human Capital Development which plays a pivotal role in the 6- Pillar Agenda of HE, ‘Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration”.
