The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi says the vision of the University to train graduates who will not be job seekers but self reliant and employers of labour remains a top priority of his administration.
Prof. Olayemi also noted that the reason for the establishment of the FUL has been realized pointing out that the institution has thus far helped to train indigenous professionals to help meet the peculiar needs of the State.
Prof. Olayemi made the disclosure today while responding to questions as a guest at the weekly Coast to Coast program of the Nigeria Television Authority Lokoja, expressed appreciation with the ratings of the University as number one amongst University’s established same time.
The Professor of History expressed satisfaction that the FUL ranks second amongst University’s in the North Central states of Nigeria, added that the University presently ranks six amongst all the Universities in the country, said he has pilotted the affairs of the institution with sincerity of purpose.
Prof. Olayemi noted that with education recognized as the major industry of the people of Kogi State, the FUL has met it objectives of raising indigenous professionals, said establishing the University was a plus to the State, promised to leave the University better than he met it.
While noting that funding still remains a major challenge for the University, he said his position as Vice Chancellor has made him a marketer reaching out to attract support and development for the institution, said the days when manner falls from heaven for Universities has long gone, called on well meaning individuals from the State to come and assist in building the Institution.
The Vice Chancellor said his efforts to attract support has enabled the University to secure a N1.2billion for the building of the University’s Senate building, stressed that as Vice Chancellor, he cannot afford to sit and expect manner fall from heaven, promised to do all that would be humanly possible to make FUL an envy of Universities in the country.
The Vice Chancellor explained that the University is working assiduously to commission more than 20 projects by the second year anniversary of his leadership, commended some indigenes of the state for their commitment and help in their support to making the University rank best.
Prof. Olayemi thanked the management team of the University for their support thus far, lauded the team for buying into his vision, said their understanding of the system has helped him to achieve so much thus far.
The Vice Chancellor said on assumption of office, he was able to identify a ten point agenda which he explained, working with the Management team, determination, commitment to succeed and approval from University Council, he has been able to move the University to the permanent site, thus creating room for development.
The Vice Chancellor said the movement to the Permanent Site has not only allowed for expansion, he added that it has stopped the vandalization of the properties by vandals.
Prof. Olayemi further disclosed that the University is looking inward to develop courses that would meet the basic needs of people of the state, adding that the University is passionate about establishing Engineering Courses that would help boost and support the manpower needs of Ajaokuta Steel Complex, Obajana Cement Company, Itakpe Iron Ore Mining in strengthening their workforce need.
The Vice Chancellor explained that his passion for self reliance, has made the entrepreneurship program of the institution compulsory for all students, said the program would enable students register and acquire skills that will help them to self reliant after graduation.
Prof. Olayemi said he was able to secure a N200million for the building that presently serves as the Institution’s Entrepreneurship Centre to train students in different skills of interest.
The Students the Vice Chancellor added would be certificated for every skill acquired in their 300 levels, said skills in tilling, electricals, photography, fashion design amongst others for the students and graduates of FUL is to enable them have self sustaining jobs and be self reliant after graduation without necessarily relying on white collar jobs, remains a major program of his administration.