The maiden colloquium organized by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora branch, featured Engr. (Dr.) Aderemi Oseni as the lead speaker. During the event, Dr. Oseni, a federal lawmaker representing Ido/Ibarapa State Constituency, emphasized the urgent need for robust and improved funding for tertiary education in Nigeria.
Delivering a lecture titled Problems and Prospects of Tertiary Education Finances in a Developing Nation: A Legislative Perspective, Dr. Oseni highlighted three major challenges confronting tertiary institutions: limited access to education due to population growth, declining quality of education, and chronic underfunding. He noted that Nigeria’s budgetary allocation to education has dropped from 12% in 1980 to just 7%, making it the lowest in sub-Saharan Africa. This decline, he warned, threatens both teaching quality and national development.
To address these issues, Dr. Oseni advocated for stronger legislative frameworks to ensure regular assessments of education financing. He also called for alternative funding mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, alumni philanthropy, and endowment funds, to reduce over-reliance on government funding. “Legislative bodies must leverage their authority to drive improved funding for tertiary education,” he stated.
In a related lecture titled Managing Unions-Management Relations for Collective Bargaining, Prof. Adebayo Oni, represented by Prof. Jaiyeola Omotola of the Federal University of Agriculture, stressed the importance of harmonious relationships between unions and management. He underscored collective bargaining as a critical tool for fostering trust and resolving conflicts that could impede institutional development.
ASUP Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Masopa Adekunle Nurudeen, commended the OYSCATECH Rector for upholding institutional policies and fostering a harmonious union-management relationship. He also urged the Rector to implement a rating scale for assessing administrative performance.
Earlier, the ASUP OYSCATECH Chapter Chairman, Comrade Mumini Tiamiyu, called for support from prominent individuals in the state to aid the institution with infrastructure, including classrooms and lecture halls, to accommodate its growing student population. He lauded union members for their unwavering support during his eight-month tenure.
The event concluded with awards presented to notable individuals, including Hon. Ademola Ojo, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, and Prof. Bayo Oni, among others, for their contributions to education. Distinguished staff members, such as Engr. Omotayo Ogunsina and Dr. Amoo S.A., were also recognized for their outstanding service.
The colloquium was well attended by dignitaries, including OYSCATECH management, local government officials, and representatives from Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa. Dr. (Mrs.) Olubukola Adelakun, chairperson of the local organizing committee, expressed gratitude to all participants for their support in making the event a success.
