A member of the House Representatives and Chairman Committee on FERMA Hon Aderemi has advocated Robust and Improved Funding for Tertiary Education in Nigeria .
The federal lawmaker who is the Lead Speaker made this known at the maiden colloquium organized by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora branch
Dwelling on Topic titled; Problems and Prospects of Tertiary Education Finances in a Developing Nation: A legislative Perspective, Hon Remi Oseni representing Ido/Ibarapa State Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives revealed that Tertiary Institutions are confronted with three primary challenges of limited access to tertiary education by students seeking due to population explosion, reduction in quality of education and poor funding.
He explained that since 1980, there has been a gradual reduction in budgetary allocation for education in Nigeria; from 12% to 7%, which makes Nigeria’s investment in tertiary education to be the lowest in sub-Saharan Africa, affecting the quality of teaching and output, which is capable of jeopardizing the nation’s development.
Speaking on how legislative intervention can ameliorate or eradicate the chronic underfunding of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Engr. Remi Oseni also called for a stronger legislative frame work to enforce regular assessment of education financing, while advocating for public-private partnership, philanthropy from wealthy Alumni and endowment fund as alternative sources of funding for tertiary education, capable of cushioning the effect of underfunding and over reliance on government funding alone.
He posited that the legislative body holds a pivotal role in improving funding and finances for tertiary institutions given its authority and influence.
Presenting his lecture, titled Managing Unions Management Relations for Collective Bargaining Prof. Adebayo Oni from the Federal University of Agriculture who was represented by Prof. Jaiyeola Omotola revealed that development is usually hampered in an environment where union and management are at logger heads. He noted that there is a paradigm shift in union management relationship to collective bargaining for harmonious relationships.
He advised both Management and Union to embrace collective bargaining. He identified mistrust and distrust which often affect the harmonious relationship between management and union.
In his remarks, the ASUP Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Masopa Adekunle Nurudeen who spoke on behalf of the National President of ASUP, commended OYSCATECH rector for not violating polytechnic edit and for providing good leadership and harmonious working relationship between the Management and the Union, while calling on the OYSCATECH Rector to put in place an assessment rating scale for the regular assessment of his administration.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, OYSCATECH Chapter of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Com. Mumini Tiamiyu, has called on Men of Timbre and caliber in the State to come to the aid of the Union and Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora for donation of infrastructural facilities such as classrooms and lecture halls for the fast expanding institution.
The ASUP Chairman appreciated the executive members of ASUP as well as the congress men and women for their unalloyed support which has greatly assisted the com. Tiamiyu led administration in the last 8 months.
The Local organizing committee Chairperson, Dr. (Mrs.) Olubukola Adelakun expressed gratitude to Management, ASUP Member and all guests for their unalloyed support.
Awards were thereafter presented to notable individuals which include: Hon. Ademola Ojo, Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Engr. Dr. Aderemi Oseni, Hon. Member Representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency, Prof. Bayo Oni, Hon. Dr. Adebayo Anthony (Ibarapa Kan), Engr. Azeez Adeoye, CEO, Ogun Osun River Basin Authority, Mr Oyekunle Ogunmola, Hon. Olusola Adeleke, Chairman, Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Lateef Akorede, Executive Chairman, Ibarapa North Local Government, Hon. Kazeem Arogundade, Executive Chairman, Ibarapa East Local Government.
Staff members who have distinguished themselves were given awards across the various faculties. They include;Engr. Omotayo Ogunsina, Mr. Adams Taiwo, Mrs. Oyeleye Aderinola, Mr. Emiola Semiu, Mr. Oyekunle Lukman and Amao S. A.
The colloquium was well attended by the Management Team including Dr. Taiwo Akinyemi, the Deputy Rector, Mr. R.F.A Adeniji, Registrar, Mr. Modupe Ogundapo, Bursar, Engr. Dauda Salam Adeniran, the Director of Works & Services and former ASUP Chairman, Dr. Afeez Adeniyi, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa ASUP Chair, Comrade Taiwo Adeboje, Hon. Segun Kolawole, Pastor Femi Adebayo from Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa and a host of others.
E-Signed;
Opeyemi Olawore
Public Relations Officer