TASFUED Management Engages Imaka Community, Promises Accelerated Development

The management of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, has engaged leaders and stakeholders of its host community, Imaka, assuring them of accelerated development following the Federal Government's takeover of the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Oladipo, gave the assurance during a stakeholder engagement meeting held at the residence of the Baale of Imaka, Chief Adebayo Osotimehin.

Prof. Oladipo disclosed that one of the immediate steps being taken by the University was the clearing and surveying of its land to establish the exact size and boundaries, adding that construction of a gatehouse would also commence as an initial physical indication of the University's presence on the site.

He explained that proper surveying and documentation were necessary for effective planning and development, noting that the need for accurate land details had also been highlighted during a recent engagement in Abuja.

The Vice-Chancellor recalled that the Imaka community provided land for the institution about 21 years ago with the expectation that the University would stimulate development, create employment and improve socio-economic fortunes.

While acknowledging contributions of successive administrations and community members to the establishment and growth of the institution, he noted that the Federal Government's takeover had created a new opportunity to accelerate development.

He said the University's development vision would extend beyond physical infrastructure to initiatives capable of generating employment, stimulating economic activities and improving quality of life for residents.

Prof. Oladipo cited his recent visit to the Songhai Centre in Porto-Novo, Republic of Benin, as an example of an integrated development model from which useful ideas could be drawn in productive land use, energy generation and resource management.

On admissions, the Vice-Chancellor assured qualified candidates from Imaka of consideration, provided they meet the prescribed cut-off mark and other requirements. He also stated that qualified indigenes would be considered for employment when the Federal Government grants approval for recruitment, subject to approved processes and qualifications.

Earlier, the Baale of Imaka, Chief Adebayo Osotimehin, welcomed the University management and expressed the community's desire to see the takeover translate into visible development.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Chairman of the Community Development Association, Mr. Dare Awofusi, raised issues concerning land development and the need for sustained communication between the institution and the community. Other contributors included Mr. Ogunbanwo Afolabi, Mr. Salewa Ojuri and youth representative, Mr. Tunde Oduntan.

Other community leaders present included the Mayegun of Imaka, Chief Osoyemi Osotimehin, Chief Omotayo, Oloritun of Imaka, Mr. Kazzem Adetayo and Mr. Alimi Bisoye.

The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adekunle Adeogun; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Rotimi Ettu; Director, IVOTRA, Prof. Akinyode Timothy Olawumi; Director of Physical Planning, Dr. Olarenwaju; Director of Works and Services, Mr. Williams; Deputy Director of Physical Planning, Mrs. Yetunde Somuyiwa, among others.