The take-off of Technical University, Ibadan, has been postponed by the Oyo State government, citing the upsurge in general insecurity across the country.

This was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Ismael Olalekan Alli, and Chairman of the Governing Council of the institution, Professor Oladapo Afolabi, during a press conference held yesterday at the State Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Ibadan. The university had been scheduled to commence academic activities in September 2014.

Mr. Alli disclosed that the advance party was recalled by the partner institution in the USA towards the end of last month, thus making September unrealistic for the take-off of the institution.

“Actually, we have unanimously agreed to observe the condition of security till January next year and, by then, we would be able to review the situation and determine the appropriate take-off date of the institution,” he said.

The SSG, however, assured that provision of infrastructural facilities remains very much in progress at the university at Ajoda New Town, Egbeda, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway.

Contributing, Prof. Afolabi, a former Head of Service of the Federation, made it known that the university would rank among the best in the world, strongly based on the arrangements being put in place by both the state government and the Technical University of Texas, with a view to providing a qualitative educational experience for students, as well as comfortable ambience for teaching and learning.

“The university would be run on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) because we believe it would enhance its sustainability and make it distinct from other universities in Nigeria,” he said.

•Photo shows the Oyo State SSG, Mr. Ismael Olalekan Alli (right), and Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, Chairman, Governing Council of the Technical University, Ibadan, speaking during the conference . . . yesterday in Ibadan.

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