Conversion of Ekiti College of Agriculture to polytechnic will boost socio-economic activities – Ogunleye

Architect Tope Ogunleye, the Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Special Projects and Director General of the State Bureau of Special Projects, has said that the conversion of the state College of Agriculture and Technology, Isan Ekiti, to a full-fledged polytechnic would further boost development and enhance socio-economic activities in the state and its environs.

Speaking in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, on the expected benefits from the establishment of the polytechnic, Ogunleye stressed that tertiary education can be used as a powerful engine for building a stronger society, curbing extreme poverty and boosting economic growth, adding that it is also capable of developing the environment by contributing knowledge and advanced skills as well as basic competencies and research.

Ogunleye said the state Bureau of Special Projects supervised the construction of the two blocks of faculty building recently commissioned at the polytechnic from foundation to the commissioning stage and assured that it was a job well done that would stand the test of time.

Noting that the construction of buildings was initiated and completed by the Governor Kayode Fayemi-led administration to ensure that a smooth takeoff of the school, Ogunleye reiterated the commitment of the governor to leave a good legacy with laudable projects capable of developing a strong and sustainable economic base for the state.

He however called on all stakeholders, particularly the host community, staff and students of the institution to justify the government’s huge investment by handling the facilities provided in the school like their personal properties and cultivate good maintenance culture towards achieving increased life expectancy and sound conservation of the assets, which he said would eliminate premature repairs or replacement and reduce costs of keeping the place in good working condition.