Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Governor, on Wednesday signed a Bill for the renaming of First Technical University into Abiola Ajimobi Technical University into law.
In the same vein, the Governor also approved the sum of ₦1.4 billion for infrastructure upgrade at the institution which include fencing of the school, construction of inner roads within the university, and other structural facilities.
Governor Makinde announced the approval of the funds at the official signing of the Bill into law at a brief ceremony held at the executive chamber of the Governor’s office on Wednesday, July 31.
Recall that the First Technical University was first established in 2012 under the administration of former governor, Late Abiola Ajimobi after its establishment Bill was subsequently amended in 2018.
The Governor stated that the law is for the establishment, incorporation, constitution and functions of the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan Oyo State and other connected matters.
In his address shortly after signing the Bill into Law, Makinde noted that the renaming of the institution aimed to honor former governor Abiola Ajimobi and his vision for the school and has also accorded former First Lady of the state, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi the courtesy of making a nomination into the Governing Council of the school as a show of inclusivity in the school management.
The Governor equally expressed appreciation to the state legislature for working collaboratively with the executive arm of government for the smooth running of government.
Earlier, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honorable Adebo Ogundoyin represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi, said the name change was in honour of former Governor Ajimobi.
The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tapping from the expertise and professional skills of notable individuals regardless of political affiliations towards the development of the state.
He noted that even though the state Governor was still in the process of constituting the Governing Council of the institution, he has accepted without any objection, the nomination of former member of Oyo state Assembly, Hon. Seyi Adisa by Mrs. Florence Ajimobi.
“It is a bill for the establishment, incorporation, constitutions and functions of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, and for other related matters into law.
“At the beginning of the year, the Executive Council approved the Executive Bill, repealing the First Technical University Law 2012 to be replaced by a new law, which captures the institution as structural changes the university will go through including a change of name.
“You may also recall last year that during the convocation of the institution, I made an announcement for the change of name to Honour my predecessor, under whose administration the university was established.
“So, this new law will codify the change of name, because this administration does not govern by a fiat. We ensure that right governance processes are followed. The new law also means that the University can now appoint a Governing Council to govern its affairs,” he added.
