Photo: Prof Ogunwole, FUOYE VC
By Bunmi Olarewaju
The Ilupeju community in Ekiti State has handed over buildings and equipment valued at over N300 million to the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) to support the take-off of its Institute of Nursing Sciences.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, described the gesture as a landmark demonstration of the community’s commitment to education and human capital development.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, Ogunwole made the remarks during the formal handover ceremony held in Ilupeju-Ekiti.
He noted that the donation underscores the growing importance of town-and-gown collaboration in advancing tertiary education, adding that the initiative would significantly strengthen the university’s capacity to train qualified healthcare professionals.
“Today marks a significant milestone in university-community partnership. This generous contribution is not only a symbol of goodwill but a clear commitment to educational advancement and societal progress,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor assured the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Sunday D. A. Akingbade, and residents that the facilities would be put to effective use and maintained to meet national and international standards in nursing education.
He further commended the Ilupeju Development Association (IDA), community leaders, and stakeholders for their unity and foresight in executing the project, describing the donation as an “indelible contribution” to the development of tertiary education in Ekiti State and Nigeria.
The community, represented by Dr. Femi Babalola, expressed gratitude to the university’s management and governing council for approving the establishment of the institute in the area.
Babalola also acknowledged the roles played by past and present university leaders, including Prof. Sunday Fasina, in actualising the project.
He revealed that what began as a vision in August 2023 has now materialised into the establishment of the Institute of Nursing Sciences in Ilupeju-Ekiti.
According to him, the facilities handed over include renovated and repurposed community assets such as the Ilupeju Civic Centre, now serving as Lecture Hall 1; the Community Library, converted into Lecture Hall 2; and the Community ICT Centre, designated as the administrative building.
In addition to the structures, the community also donated a Toyota saloon car for logistics, power generating equipment, furniture, water facilities, modern toilet systems, and other essential materials to support academic and administrative activities.
Babalola disclosed that the current site is temporary, noting that the community has already earmarked about 105 plots of land for the permanent site of the institute, with provisions for future expansion and the possible siting of additional faculties.
“This is a strategic investment in education and healthcare delivery. We are laying a foundation not only for Ilupeju but for the nation at large,” he said.
In his remarks, Oba Akingbade urged the university to expand its presence in the community by introducing more faculties, while community leaders, including High Chief Adeyemi Agbaje, expressed appreciation to FUOYE for selecting Ilupeju as host of the institute.
The establishment of the nursing institute is expected to boost access to professional healthcare training in the region and contribute to addressing the shortage of skilled medical personnel in Nigeria’s health sector.
