Ex-Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education and governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, on Tuesday described the merging of the three universities in the state by the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration as a “disservice to Ekiti people.”
Adeyeye, who is also a former spokesman of the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, is a PDP governorship aspirant in the state. He spoke at Efon-Alaaye during his tour of Efon, Ijero and Ekiti West local government areas.
Noting that the state was financially capable to fund more than three universities, he said he would establish more tertiary institutions in the state if elected as governor.
Adeyeye, who described education as the major industry of Ekiti State, queried, “If the PDP government that established the University of Education, Ikere; and University of Science and Technology, Ifaki-Ekiti was funding the two institutions, including the University of Ado-Ekiti successfully, why would any government merge the three into one?
“Even with the merger of the three universities, has there been any improvement as per funding?”
He promised to establish a tertiary institution in Efon-Alaaye if voted into office, saying, “If I have my way, I will establish as many tertiary institutions as possible because it aids development.
“Look at the economy of all the towns where tertiary institutions were established and imagine us taking education as an industry and having more higher institutions in Ekiti State. The economy of our towns and villages will be boosted and it will reduce rural-urban migration.”
The PDP Chairman in Efon Local Government, Femi Oluwatayo, described Adeyeye as a promise keeper, who was well grounded in the politics of the state.
At the venue were former Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Chief Afolabi Ojuawo; former Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Sola Ajigbolamu; and former Deputy Speaker, Taiwo Olatunbosun, among others.
