The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, on Wednesday led deliberations on a motion seeking the upgrade of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora, to a full-fledged university, declaring that the move would “correct a long-standing imbalance in the distribution of higher educational institutions across the State.”
The motion, co-sponsored by Hon. Peter Ojedokun (Ibarapa North/Central), was read on the floor of the House and seconded by Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto Cephas (Oyo East/West).
The Motion noted the Ibarapa geopolitical zone remains the only zone in Oyo State without a university, thereby limiting access to university education for its teeming population.
“OYSCATECH has evolved into a reputable institution with proven academic and technical capacity in agricultural training and manpower development. The institution is bless with over 500 staff, about 4,000 hectares of land, six faculties, more than fifty academic buildings and functional laboratories making it suitably positioned for conversion.”
The Motion further referenced regulatory backing, stating that the National Universities Commission approved the commencement of 16 degree programmes in affiliation with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, while JAMB has recognized the institution as a degree-awarding body under affiliation.
According to the Motion, an enabling law by the State Assembly remains the critical requirement for the transition, noting that key documents such as the Academic Brief and Physical Master Plan are already in place.
It also disclosed that “over 70 scholars, including more than 20 Professors and Readers, have indicated willingness to support the proposed university, even on a pro bono basis.”
In its resolutions, the House commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his commitment to the education sector and mandated the House Committee on Education to immediately commence the amendment of the law establishing OYSCATECH.
The House urged the executive arm to approve the upgrade to the proposed Oyo State University of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.
The Assembly further called on the government to provide financial, administrative and policy backing for a seamless transition, liaise with regulatory bodies for accreditation, and mobilize qualified academic personnel to ensure a strong take-off.
It further maintained that the upgrade would expand access to higher education, drive agricultural innovation and strengthen food security, while firmly positioning Ibarapa as a strategic hub for research and development in Oyo State.
