OKUKU, Osun State — Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has revealed how his late father, the Olokuku of Okuku, imparted a life lesson on him and his 63 siblings, urging them not to depend on his wealth but instead focus on education.
Oyinlola shared this story while addressing the pioneer students of his newly established Alolade Oyinlola College of Health Sciences and Information Technology in Okuku.
During the orientation programme, Oyinlola emphasised the transformative power of education, reflecting on how his father’s advice shaped the course of his life and his family’s values.
“When I was young, before my father, who was a king, died, he told us that if any child thinks he will inherit any wealth after his demise, such a child is wasting his time because all he was giving in terms of wealth and inheritance was education,” Oyinlola said.
“We are 64 children, with me being the 43rd, and it was his vision of being committed to education that sustained the family till today. My father has been dead for 64 years, and nobody has even thought of sharing any of his property.”
The former governor used the occasion to underscore the importance of education in navigating today’s rapidly changing world.
Addressing the students, the former governor said, “We are laying the foundation for excellence in health science and information technology education, and your names will forever be etched as the pioneers of this institution.”
He urged the students to remain focused, disciplined, and dedicated to their studies, assuring them that the college’s innovative curriculum and hands-on learning experiences would provide the skills necessary to make a significant impact in the modern world.
“This is my contribution to education,” Oyinlola added.
“Innovative curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and dedicated faculty are designed to arm you with the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact in today’s evolving world.”
In addition to inaugurating the college, Oyinlola hinted at plans for further expansion in education, revealing that the proposed Alolade University is awaiting approval from the Federal Executive Council.
“For Alolade University, I believe that we will scale through the approval stage. We are just waiting for the Federal Executive Council’s approval.”
The Alolade Oyinlola College of Health Sciences and Information Technology is set to be a significant player in the education landscape in Osun State, focusing on equipping students with critical skills in health sciences and IT to meet the demands of an evolving job market.
