by Ajadi Daniel
Ladoko Akintola University in Ogbomosho had been “locked” for over six months. The issue that led to the closure of the school is not far fetched, the same old story of both Osun and Oyo laying claim to the ownership of the school.
Akin Odesola, the deputy registrar of the school in a face book post wrote that “..Following the creation of Osun state from the old Oyo state, the new Oyo and Osun States governments agreed to retain the University as jointly owned by both. Its name was thereafter changed to LAUTECH, Ogbomosho. In addition, an aspect of the Technical Report which stated that the University was meant to be mono-campus was compromised in the spirit of togetherness. College of Health Sciences was ceded and taken to Oshogbo, Osun State.
“Each state was however, at liberty to float other businesses as it may be capable. As it has been for Osun State, it eventually deployed its buoyant resources for the establishment of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), while maintaining its stake in the joint business of LAUTECH. At a particular time when some people of Oyo state suggested their preference for Osun State to disengage or be disengaged from Joint ownership of LAUTECH, the ever subtle Osun people retorted that the Oyo State government might be advised to also establish an Oyo State University if it cared to sole-own one.
According to him, the Alao Akala in 2010 concludes with former Osun State government a process of discontinuity with joint ownership of LAUTECH.
The present governor, Abiola Ajimobi wanted to continue with the joint agreement but the Osun State government is against this laying claim to the medical school on its soil. The issue is presently with the Supreme Court.
The initial joint agreement made both parties funders of the institution as contained in the agreement.
The school is presently on break which has extended into seven months. The refusal of the two states to fund the University led to the school Authority using internally generated funds to pay its workers which itself has constituted a problem bringing the EFCC to look into the matter.