Oyo State House of Assembly urges Governor Seyi Makinde to release ₦500m and add Abiola Ajimobi Technical University to monthly subvention.
The Oyo State House of Assembly has renewed its call on Governor Seyi Makinde to release the ₦500 million pledged to the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University in 2024.
The lawmakers also demanded that the institution be placed on the state’s monthly subvention list beginning from January 2026, stressing that sustainable funding is key to its survival and growth.
This resolution followed a motion moved by Hon. Oluwafemi Fowokanmi, representing Ibadan South West Constituency 2 and Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Education, and seconded by Hon. Babajide Adebayo of Ibadan North Constituency 2.
While presenting the motion, Hon. Fowokanmi disclosed that Abiola Ajimobi Technical University is grappling with serious financial challenges that affect infrastructure development, staff salaries, and academic programmes.
According to him, the institution currently depends on TETFUND grants, scholarships, and internally generated revenue, which are insufficient to meet its expanding needs.
He expressed concern that although the government had announced ₦500 million support for the university in 2024, the funds have not yet been released.
The delay, he warned, has worsened the institution’s financial crisis, particularly after the approval of the new minimum wage, which significantly increased staff salary obligations.
As a result, the university has resorted to borrowing from banks to settle workers’ entitlements and other pressing bills.
Despite these setbacks, Fowokanmi commended Governor Makinde for setting up the Governing Council of the university, describing it as a positive step.
However, he stressed that without consistent state funding, the council’s efforts would yield limited results.
Adding his voice, Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola, representing Egbeda Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, praised the administration for its contributions to improving Abiola Ajimobi Technical University’s environment.
He pointed to the provision of better road networks, perimeter fencing, and street lighting on campus as tangible evidence of government commitment.
Babalola, however, emphasized that physical structures alone cannot solve the university’s long-term challenges.
He explained that Abiola Ajimobi Technical University has recorded notable achievements on the international academic stage, but to maintain that momentum, the institution needs financial stability.
According to him, the release of the ₦500 million and inclusion in the monthly subvention scheme would enable AJUTU to expand facilities, attract and retain highly qualified lecturers, and admit more students.
Hon. Babajide Adebayo aligned with his colleagues, insisting that Abiola Ajimobi Technical University should enjoy the same subvention rights as other state-owned tertiary institutions.
However, he argued that proper accountability must go hand in hand with increased funding. He therefore proposed a comprehensive audit of the institution’s financial records, covering internally generated revenue and expenditures.
This, he said, would reassure both lawmakers and the public that government allocations are used judiciously.
Adebayo maintained that financial transparency would also strengthen the case for continuous legislative and executive support for the university.
In his ruling, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, endorsed the motion and approved Fowokanmi’s request for the House Committee on Tertiary Education to engage directly with Abiola Ajimobi Technical University’s management.
The Speaker explained that the engagement would serve as a fact-finding mission to examine the university’s financial records, identify internal revenue sources, and address operational challenges.
He clarified that the findings would guide the Assembly in providing targeted legislative interventions and ensuring that Abiola Ajimobi Technical University receives the necessary support to thrive.
Ogundoyin reiterated that the Oyo State House of Assembly is committed to strengthening education in the state.
He stressed that the prosperity of Oyo State is linked to the performance of its educational institutions, and assured that the Assembly would continue to monitor funding allocations to ensure transparency and accountability.
The debate on AJUTU funding highlights a wider concern about the state of tertiary education in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
Many state universities face challenges of poor infrastructure, irregular funding, and inability to retain top academic staff.
Lawmakers believe that Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, if properly supported, could serve as a model of innovation, research, and academic excellence in the state.
Education experts argue that consistent state subvention would not only stabilize the university but also enhance its competitiveness globally.
They add that investment in AJUTU could attract private partnerships, research grants, and collaborations with industries, further reducing its dependence on state funding.
Analysts recommend that beyond the release of ₦500 million and inclusion in monthly subvention, the university should strengthen its financial autonomy by expanding income-generating ventures.
These could include professional training programmes, consultancy services, and partnerships with industries.
Stakeholders also urge the state government to maintain regular audits and strict oversight to ensure that funds are used efficiently. Transparency, they argue, will encourage further public and private investment in the university.
The resolutions passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly reflect the urgency of investing in higher education.
Lawmakers have drawn attention to the financial struggles of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, outlined clear funding solutions, and called for accountability measures.
If Governor Makinde’s administration implements these recommendations, Abiola Ajimobi Technical University will be better positioned to expand its academic offerings, improve staff welfare, and compete with leading universities across the world.
The continued commitment of the Oyo State House of Assembly to oversight and support will play a decisive role in shaping the future of tertiary education in Oyo State.
About The Author
