Ex-NYSC DG hails Tinubu for approving Ekiti varsity, promises security others
A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Major General Johnson Olawunmi (retd.) on Friday, commended President Bola Tinubu for assenting the Bill for the establishment of the new Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Iyin Ekiti.
Olawunmi also promised to rally around key stakeholders in the community to discuss and chart the way forward on how to properly secure the new institution.
He gave the assurance in a statement issued in Abuja.
Tinubu gave his assent to bills establishing two new federal universities namely the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State on Thursday.
The announcement was made by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, following the signing of the two legislations at the State House in Abuja .
But, Olawunmi emphasised that the new varsity would be of enormous importance to the community.
He said, “We thank President Bola Tinubu for this opportunity. It will open up the community to global attention and provide direct and indirect jobs for many of the teeming youths within the neighbouring communities and even across the state.
“There is no doubt that the University will further promote socio-economic growth and galvanise infrastructure development of the state. We want to encourage students to come from all over the country, North, South, East and West, because the people of Iyin Ekiti are accommodating and peace-loving.
“We will ensure a conducive atmosphere for all students, irrespective of their religious and tribal affinity.”
Continuing, the former NYSC boss affirmed that the university will further put Iyin Ekiti on the global map, building on the developmental achievements recorded by notable past leaders including the late General Adeyinka Adebayo, and the first civilian governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo.
He also thanked former Governor Kayode Fayemi, the incumbent Biodun Oyebanji, and other Ekiti leaders who have, in the past, contributed to the development of the town, saying they laid the foundation for the establishment of the University.
The retired general, who is also the Jagunmolu of Iyin Ekiti, seized the opportunity to appeal to all sons and daughters of the town, especially those in the diaspora, to join efforts in supporting the government as the school prepares to take off.
