Kayode Fayemi, the governor of Ekiti State has assented into law the bill seeking upgrading of the College of Education Ikere- Ekiti to the University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti.
The Governor signed the bill into law on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at the exquisite Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, as part of activities making the second anniversary of his administration.
The College of Education Ikere- Ekiti (formerly Ondo State College of Education) was established by an Edict on December 5, 1977.
Fayemi, who stated the development was in realisation of his administration resolve to promote knowledge economy in the state, assured his government would continue to give utmost priority to the promotion of knowledge in the State.
Commending the Speaker and Assembly members for passing the bill that enhance the fulfilment of his administration’s drive to improve the lives of the people, Fayemi noted the stress of passing bill to law could be tedious and demanding.
According to him, the bill, which was passed independently by Members of the House of Assembly as part of their constitutional responsibilities was done in the best interest of the people of the State.
Fayemi who noted that the three arms of Government are designed to complement one another for peace and good governance promised that his administration would continue to promote harmonious working relationship with the legislators towards maintaining their institutional autonomy.
He said; “Mr speaker has already enumerated several bills that have been passed into law by the State Assembly but the one that assent is being given to today is the one that underscores the importance we attached to the knowledge economy.
“I have no doubt that the new legislation I am about to sign will enhance our restoration agenda and make favourable impart in the lives of our people. The three arms of government, as we all know, are to complement one another for good governance, peace, and harmony.
“I am glad that our lawmakers are living up to their constitutional responsibilities of legislation, representation, appropriation, and oversight which they must continue to carry out with the larger interest of Ekiti people at the back of their mind.
Earlier, the speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly, Funminiyi Afuye disclosed that the bill was one of the 32 bills passed by the sixth Assembly and signed into law by the Governor.
The Speaker explained that the passage of the bill was in response to the long agitation of the Ikere people and to promote and sustain the legacy of knowledge economy which is one of the cardinal programmes of the Fayemi-led administration.
He said.” We are presenting the University of Education, Science, and Technology, Ikere Ekiti law for your assent. This is a salutary initiative of your administration.”
The provost, Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa, and the Chairman Governing Council of the College, Chief Afolabi Ojuawo said the event marked the realization of the long expectation of the college.
They expressed the readiness of the college to start on a fresh note, assuring that both the human and infrastructural resources needed for the smooth running of the institution were on the ground.
Source: The Nation
