VC OKAYS IKOLE SITE FOR FEDERAL VARSITY

By NBF News

The visiting Vice Chancellor of the Federal University in Ekiti State, Professor Chinedu Nebo has given thumbs-up for the facilities on ground at the proposed site of the institution in Ikole Ekiti. Speaking during his maiden visit to the site over the weekend, Nebo who was accompanied by some principal officers on the assessment trip told the large crowd that thronged the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) site, described what he met on ground as overwhelming.

In his remarks after he was conducted round the 1,000 hectares property, Nebo who was on a similar mission to Oye Ekitit, earlier in the week told the gathering, ' What I've seen here is enough to accommodate two universities.' According to Nebo who was V.C. at the Univertsity of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, ' the site provides adequate facilities for a smooth take off of the university and the expanse of land has the prospects of becoming the food basket of not only Ekiti State, but the country at large.

He gave indications that the university campuses would be split between the Ikole and Oye Ekiti, which have since been at loggerheads over which is the rightful host community. The scholar was, however, not categorical about the sharing formula but hinted that the Ekiti State and the Federal Government would soon come up with an amicable resolution of the logjam.

It would be recalled that Ikole Ekiti was first named the university town by the Federal Government on December 22, 2010, before the emergence of Oye Ekiti as another host. The development has precipitated a tussle for hosting right between both communities. While commending the steadfastness and the people's enthusiasm for the project, the V.C. urged them to continue to live in peace and harmony with their neighbours. He promised to return to Abuja with good and credible report on what he saw.

Speaking during a brief reception for Nebo at the King's palace, the Elekole of Ikole Ekiti, Oba Ajibade Fasiku while highlighting the abundant human and material resources in his town disclosed that the natives have set aside 15 befitting houses at various locations to accommodate the V.C. and his principal officers. The royal father who described the choice of his town as unassailable, was flanked by his Queen, Foluke and royal fathers on solidarity visit,

He reiterated the peaceful and hospitable nature of the people and urged the visiting team to come up with favourable reports on their findings. Some prominent Ikole sons including Chief Ishola Filani, lawyer, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, his elder brother, Professor Lanre Filani, and Chief Femi Adewumi, former Group Managing Director, Oodua Group of Companies, Mr Sola Fatunla, former diplomat.