-From Abdul Salaudeen, Ilorin
Kwara State vovernor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has inaugurated the Osi Campus of Kwara State University, KWASU.
Osi campus of the state university is located in Kwara South Senatorial District.
He said “the commissioning is a lesson in history, as it is a practical step to drive inclusive growth and prosperity in every part of the state.
“This is more than just a project commissioning. The completion of Osi and Ilesha Baruba campuses bears testament to my pledge that Kwara will not be a mortuary of abandoned projects. With this, we have again sent a signal that what matters to our administration is the progress of our state, not the political history of any project.
“This is a lesson in history and we hope it resonates across our state and among our people. In June 2021, I commissioned Kwara Polytechnic’s main auditorium which we funded to completion, more than 20 years after its foundation was laid by late Governor Mohammed Lawal. This is who we are.
“Today, marks the culmination of years of commitment, resilience and collective resolve to expand access to quality tertiary education in Kwara State.
“The journey has been marked by significant challenges, including substantial inflation. This project started under the previous administration. It was later abandoned.
“We promised never to abandon it. And what you see here bears testimony to the power of strategic planning, prudent resource management, determination and good conscience.
“The two campuses, among other projects, will stimulate rapid economic growth and human capital development in these regions, foster a sense of belonging and create new opportunities for youths.
“We worked tirelessly to ensure that the infrastructure you see today is up to standards, as recently confirmed by the team from the National Universities Commission, NUC.
“From the state-of-the-art studios, lecture halls and laboratories to the serene learning environment, this campus reflects the commitment of our administration to sustainable development, academic excellence and social inclusion. This effort aligns with our broader agenda of making Kwara State a hub for innovation, creativity and technical expertise.
“Today, we are proud to hand over this campus (Osi) to the community and leadership of Kwara State University through the Ministry of Tertiary Education.
“Osi Campus will not just be a physical structure, but a beacon of hope and a testament to our hard work for future generations, our love for inclusion, economic expansion and wellbeing of our people.
“As we celebrate this achievement, I call on the management, staff and students of KWASU to take full advantage of this facility. Let this campus become a breeding ground for world-class professionals whose work will bring honour to Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole.
“To the host community, we thank you for your cooperation and support throughout this process. Your role in safeguarding this campus and fostering a peaceful environment cannot be overstated. I appeal to you to ensure peaceful cohabitation between the community and the institution.”
KWASU’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Jamiu Luqman said the new Osi campus will add immense value to the institution by fostering innovation, research and learning in a conducive environment designed for excellence.
“Your Excellency’s commitment to education has been truly remarkable. This project and Ilesha Baruba campus are evidence of your dedication to the advancement of higher education in our state,” he said.
“This campus hosts the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and about seven different programmes are to be housed in this faculty. Initially, only Fine and Applied Arts was existing.”
