Funmi Olaitan, Ibadan

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has appointed a former Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Mr Oye Ibidapo-obe, as pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of Technical University, Ibadan.

The appointment was announced on Thursday in a statement by Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli, in Ibadan, the state capital.

Also appointed as council members are Chairman, First Bank Nigeria Plc (FBN), Mrs. Ibukun-Oluwa Awosika; a professor of Agriculture Engineering at the University of Ibadan (UI), Mr Abimbola Sangodoyin; and Executive Vice Chairman, Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy, Mr Tunji Olaopa.

Included on the eight-member list were an oil magnate, Mr. Doye Ayoola; a former Managing Director of FBN, Mr. Jacob Ajekiigbe; and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnership, UI, Mrs Olanike Adeyemo.

Others are a lecturer at the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, UNILAG, Mr Adetona Oladejo and Mrs Mariam Abdulraheem-Mustapha of Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin.

Alli said the governing council members were appointed for a period of four years.

It would be recalled that the Technical University, a public-private initiative, was established in 2012 and had commenced academic activities.

The SSG said, “The Technical University’s mission is to cultivate a cadre of technical professionals with requisite entrepreneurial skills capable of creating jobs and employment.

“It is committed to the efficient and responsible use of science, technology, engineering and innovation in solving societal problems.

“While congratulating and urging them to consider their appointment as a call to service, the governor and the government expect them to discharge their duties with absolute loyalty, dedication and in line with government’s vision for the university.”