Kwara South Indigenes Advocate for Proposed State University of Education to be Sited in Oro

He argued that Oro town, where the first and oldest college of education owned by the state government is located, is the most suitable location for the proposed university.

Feb 22, 2024 - 15:38 Updated: Feb 22, 2024 - 15:42

Kwara South Indigenes Advocate for Proposed State University of Education to be Sited in Oro

The Kwara South Consultative Forum, representing indigenes of Kwara South senatorial district, has called on the Kwara State government to establish the proposed Kwara State University of Education in Oro town, Irepodun local government area.

In a press briefing held at the national secretariat of the organization in Ile Igbomina, Ilorin, the president of the group, Joseph Aderibigbe, emphasized the importance of fairness, justice, and equity in the siting of the institution. He argued that Oro town, where the first and oldest college of education owned by the state government is located, is the most suitable location for the proposed university.

The group criticized the recent request made by the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) to place the university in Ilorin, the state capital, labeling it as "greed and selfishness." They highlighted the existing government-owned tertiary institutions already situated in Ilorin and stressed the need for equitable distribution of educational resources across the state.

Furthermore, the Kwara South Consultative Forum pointed out the significant investments made by communities and religious bodies in Kwara South senatorial district in the establishment of secondary schools. They cited historical precedents such as the establishment of Offa Grammar School in 1943 and Oro Grammar School in 1958 as examples of the district's commitment to education.

The group also highlighted the infrastructure and resources available at the College of Education, Oro, emphasizing its stability, academic excellence, and conducive learning environment. They advocated for the recognition of Kwara South as the only senatorial district without a fully-fledged government-owned university and urged the state government to address this disparity by siting the proposed university in Oro.

In conclusion, the Kwara South Consultative Forum advised the state government against renaming the University of Ilorin after the founder of the Alimi dynasty, describing it as provocative and emphasizing the need for inclusive and equitable educational development in Kwara State.