Governor Makinde faces criticism over the OYSCATECH university bill as an Ibarapa resident demands more investment in education, roads and infrastructure.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has come under criticism over plans to upgrade the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igbo-Ora, into a university, with an Ibarapa resident accusing the administration of turning the proposal into a political issue ahead of the 2027 elections.
The criticism was contained in a statement by Taoreed Adeniran Gbadebo, identified as a resident of Igbo-Ora, who challenged the governor to explain what he described as inadequate investment in OYSCATECH and other critical infrastructure in Ibarapa during the administration’s tenure.
Gbadebo’s reaction followed Makinde’s recent remarks in Eruwa, where the governor discussed the proposed upgrade of OYSCATECH and other development projects across Ibarapa.
During the event, Makinde said the proposal to transform OYSCATECH into a university was beyond partisan politics and maintained that the people of Ibarapa deserved a university campus.
The governor also disclosed that the Oyo State House of Assembly had commenced legislative processes toward the proposed upgrade, although he said the financial implications would have to be carefully considered.
However, Gbadebo rejected the governor’s position, arguing that the proposed OYSCATECH university bill would have little meaning without substantial investment in infrastructure, academic facilities and other requirements needed to operate a university.
Gbadebo accuses Makinde of neglecting OYSCATECH
In his statement, Gbadebo recalled the 2019 election campaign, alleging that Makinde made several promises to residents of Ibarapa before becoming governor.
He claimed that the administration had failed to meet expectations in the area, particularly regarding OYSCATECH and road infrastructure.
According to him, the college had not received the level of development expected over the years, alleging that the campus still lacked adequate laboratories, hostels and other facilities.
Gbadebo challenged the governor to identify major projects executed at OYSCATECH since 2019.
He also claimed that some of the buildings currently being used by the institution were inherited from previous administrations, particularly projects associated with the late former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.
The critic further referenced a TETFund-supported project at the institution, arguing that the presence of such intervention did not amount to sufficient state government investment in OYSCATECH.
‘Passing bill is not building a university’
A major concern raised by Gbadebo was the difference between granting an institution university status and providing the resources required to make it function effectively as a university.
He argued that the passage of legislation alone would not address infrastructure and academic challenges at the college.
“Passing a Bill is not the same as building a university,” he said, urging the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly to scrutinise the proposal and monitor the financial commitments attached to it.
Gbadebo said attention should be paid to funding, laboratories, lecture halls, hostels, staff offices, equipment and other facilities required for a sustainable university.
He also alleged that some laboratories at OYSCATECH were inadequately equipped and that overcrowding affected parts of the institution.
The allegations contained in the statement were not independently verified.
Roads become another point of contention
Gbadebo also criticised the condition of roads in Igbo-Ora and other parts of Ibarapa.
He alleged that poor road infrastructure remained a major concern for residents and accused the government of failing to adequately address the situation.
The criticism comes against the backdrop of Makinde’s announcement concerning the ongoing Ido–Eruwa Road project.
The governor said the road would be commissioned in December, describing it as part of his administration’s plan to connect the various geopolitical zones of Oyo State through improved road infrastructure.
The planned commissioning could therefore become an important development for residents and businesses along the route.
Makinde speaks on Eruwa farm settlement
Beyond OYSCATECH, Makinde also provided an update on the Eruwa Farm Settlement during the event.
According to the governor, the state government’s payment of N14.5 billion in counterpart funding to the African Development Bank would help resolve outstanding financial challenges affecting the project.
He said the payment would facilitate the commencement of the first phase of the farm settlement before the end of his tenure.
The project is expected to contribute to agricultural development and economic activity within the Ibarapa zone.
Governor urges traditional rulers to remain neutral
Makinde’s comments came during the grand finale of the week-long first coronation anniversary of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, His Royal Majesty Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Ajobo Olurin I.
The ceremony also featured the commissioning of the renovated Eleruwa Palace and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on Governor Makinde and his wife, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde.
At the event, Makinde cautioned traditional rulers across Oyo State against openly aligning themselves with political parties or candidates.
He argued that monarchs who publicly endorse political actors could expose themselves to political attacks and undermine their position as traditional leaders accessible to people across different political divides.
The governor also disclosed plans to intensify nationwide consultations regarding his political ambition.
Makinde said traditional rulers should remain open to politicians seeking royal blessings rather than openly endorsing particular candidates.
Makinde highlights Ibarapa’s political and administrative gains
The governor expressed appreciation to the traditional council in Ibarapaland for honouring him and his wife with the titles of Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ and Yèyé Ààrẹ Asọ̀lúdẹ̀rọ̀ of Ibarapaland.
Makinde described the honour as a responsibility rather than merely a ceremonial recognition.
He also noted that it was the first chieftaincy title he had accepted in Oyo State and said it was particularly significant because his political journey began in Ibarapaland.
The governor further highlighted what he described as increased representation of Ibarapa people in the state administration.
He specifically cited the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fashina as the first Head of Service from the zone.
2027 politics looms over OYSCATECH debate
Gbadebo, however, linked the proposed OYSCATECH upgrade and other developments to the approaching 2027 elections.
He argued that residents would judge the administration based on tangible projects and its overall record rather than political promises.
“2027 is close. And the people have not forgotten,” he said, insisting that residents wanted visible development rather than what he described as political rhetoric.
He called on the governor to focus on OYSCATECH, roads, youth development and other areas of concern to the people of Ibarapa.
The controversy highlights the growing political attention surrounding the proposed transformation of OYSCATECH into a university.
While the Makinde administration maintains that the people of Ibarapa deserve a university campus and that legislative processes have commenced, critics are demanding details of the funding, infrastructure and implementation plans that would accompany the proposed upgrade.
For residents, the central question may ultimately go beyond whether the OYSCATECH university bill becomes law, to whether the institution receives the investment necessary to function effectively as a university.
As the proposed legislation progresses and the 2027 political season approaches, developments surrounding OYSCATECH, the Ido–Eruwa Road and other projects in Ibarapa are likely to remain subjects of intense public and political scrutiny.
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