A new private institution, Hillside University of Science and Technology, Okemesi-Ekiti, in Ekiti state has been inaugurated by the National University Commission (NUC). The inauguration ceremony was attended by stakeholders in the nation’s education sector, government representatives, religious and traditional leaders including development partners in and outside the country.
Speaking during the ceremony, the proprietor of the university and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Olaoye Jaiyeola said his idea behind the establishment of the institution was necessitated as a result of his commitment to the advancement of the nation’s education sector especially in the area of science and technology. Jaiyeola explained that graduates from the new university would be equipped with modern skills and technical abilities to deliver clear-cut solutions to myriad of challenges confronting humanity and the society.
The renowned economist stated that the university would serve as a catalyst for socio-economic development of the host community and the state, noting that collaboration with the government had been secured towards impacting the society. According to him, ” In Ekiti here, we are a fountain of knowledge and if we all stay in Lagos, that is why you will see an increase in migration to the cities. So, we think about how we can build our own state, how we can create an environment for jobs for our people because I want to retire and live in this town . How can I ensure that everybody here at home is doing well , that is basically my drive in establishing this university. ” This university will do a lot in the development of our educational system especially in the area of science and technology and solving societal problems . We have signed a partnership with the Ekiti state government to use technology in knowing what is happening in not only in health, including agriculture and the rest A lot of courses that the regulatory agency has given approval to do are not just courses but contemporary courses . Part of what we are doing is to prepare our people to be able to tackle the challenges now and in the future and make them contribute to the Nigerian economy, starting from my hometown.”
On the increasing numbers of universities, especially private ones in the country, the proprietor said, ” We don’t have enough universities, that is the fact. If you look at the number of people who seek admission every year, you will find out that we don’t have enough.
