By joshua 
Ilupeju community hands over buildings/equipment worth over N300m to FUOYE Institute of Nursing Science
By Bunmi Olarewaju
The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, has praised Ilupeju community for its love for education and its commitment towards making it available for generations yet unborn.
Prof. Ogunwole made this remark while receiving physical structures and equipment worth over Three Hundred Million Naira built and given to FUOYE for its part-time Nursing programme domiciled in the community.
Represented by his Deputy on Administration, Prof. Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, the FUOYE VC thanked Ilupeju Community for its uncommon gesture towards enhancing education.
According to Prof. Ogunwole, “Today marks a significant milestone in the life of a community – University partnerships and relationships. It further heightens the town and the gown engagement of our University.
Professor Ogunwole stated that the formal handover of physical structures and equipment for the take-off of the FUOYE Institute of Nursing Sciences was not only a demonstration of generosity, but also a clear indication of the community’s avowed commitment to educational advancement, human capital development, and societal progress.
The VC assured His Royal Majesty, the Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti and indeed the entire community that this noble act by the Ilupeju Development Association and the entire community would not be taken for granted and it will forever be indelible and historic contribution to the growth of tertiary education in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.
Reiterating that by supporting the establishment of the Institute of Nursing Sciences, the community is contributing significantly to the training of competent healthcare professionals who will serve the nation and humanity.
“I wish to on behalf of my Vice- Chancellor assure Your Royal Majesty and the good people of Ilupeju-Ekiti that the Federal University Oye-Ekiti will put this facility into effective and productive use. The University is committed to ensuring that the Institute operates at the highest academic and professional standards in line with national and international best practices in nursing education,” he said.
While assuring the Apeju the productive use of the buildings, he also commended the Ilupeju Development Association (IDA), the community leaders, elders, youth, and all stakeholders, whose collective efforts made this project possible.
“Your unity, foresight, and commitment to development are truly commendable.
“As we receive this structure today, we see it not just as a building, but as a symbol of partnership, trust, and shared vision for the future. The University looks forward to a stronger and mutually beneficial relationship with the Ilupeju community in the years ahead,” he added.
In his concluding remarks, the VC again thanked His Royal Majesty, the Apeju in Council, the Ilupeju Development Association, and the entire indigenes of Ilupeju-Ekiti for this invaluable support. His prayers are that the collaboration may continue to bring growth, development, and endless prosperity to Ilupeju-Ekiti, Ekiti State, and Nigeria as a whole.
The community through the representative of the Chairman of the Ilupeju Development Association, Dr Femi Babalola and on behalf of the Apeju of Ilupeju, HRM, Oba Sunday D.A. Akingbade appreciates God, the Governing Council and the members of management of the University for bringing into fruition their dreams and aspirations.
He expressed the community’s profound gratitude to both the present and former Vice Chancellors, Professors Joshua Ogunwole and Sunday Fasina respectfully for allowing and approving their request of intention to have the presence of Federal University Oye Ekiti in their domain.
He appreciated the expertise of the Director Institute of Part Time, Professor Adelani Tijani, Provost College of Medicine, Professor Adeeyo, among others, including Director of the Center for Continuous Education, Dr Omolade Adeleke, HRM, Oba Ademolaju Adugbole III, Oloye of Oye kingdom, High Chief Eleegbo, High Chief Ogbolu of Oye Ekiti and High Chief Oloja of Araromi.
“What was conceived a dream in years past, specifically August 2023, became a reality today, culminating in the hoisting of the FUOYE Institute of Nursing Sciences in Ilupeju Ekiti”, he stated.
Dr Babalola emphasised that the site that the community was handing over to the University was the temporary location for the FUOYE School of Nursing Sciences to take off in Ilupeju Ekiti, assuring that a more massive land of about one hundred and five (105) plots of land have been earmarked for the Institute’s occupation in the future to allow for its growth and if possible accommodating other faculties of the University in the near future.
“Meanwhile, what we are handing over, the worth which is over Three hundred million in value include; former Ilupeju Civic Centre as a Lecture Hall 1, former Community Library comprising of two sizable halls as Lecture Hall 2; and the former Community ICT is to serve as the Administrative Building.
“All of these buildings, which are fully functional and furnished are at congruity and are now designated as the temporary site of the FUOYE Institute of Nursing Sciences, Ilupeju Ekiti,” he maintained.
Other materials released for future growth included land for permanent site, comprising 105 plots of land, a Toyota saloon car for logistics and operational comfort as well as tables and chairs, new generating set, twelve modern toilets, water facilities, etc, for the comfort of staff and students.
In his remarks, HRM Oba Sunday A. D. Akingbade begged the management to bring more faculties to the Ilupeju Community.
High Chief Adeyemi Agbaje appreciated FUOYE Management for the privilege to host the Institute in Ilupeju Ekiti.
SOURCE: FUOYE WEBSITE