The Ilupeju in ifeloju Local council development area of Ekiti State has handed over three buildings to the management of the Federal University Oye‑Ekiti to serve as the temporary campus for the institution’s School of Nursing Science.
The buildings, located close to the Apeju’s palace, consist of two lecture halls and an administrative block and will serve as the centre for academic and administrative activities of the university’s Institute of Nursing Science.
The National president of Ilupeju Development Association, IDA, Elder Banji Ogungbemi who was represented by a community leader and former president of the Association, Dr Femi Babalola explained that the gesture was aimed at supporting the early take-off of the programme while efforts continue towards developing a permanent site for the institute.
“About 105 plots of land have already been released by the community for the development of the permanent site of the Institute of Nursing Science,” Ogungbemi added.
“while we ensured that the temporary campus was properly furnished to meet the immediate needs of both students and staff, twelve modern functional toilets were also constructed within the premises to improve sanitation and convenience. “Clean and functional facilities are crucial for creating a conducive learning environment,” he noted.
The community leader further stated that electricity supply, boreholes, and other water facilities were installed to ensure uninterrupted access to basic utilities at the temporary campus. In addition, a Toyota saloon car was donated to assist in facilitating the operations of the institute and ease mobility for official assignments.
“This is our way of supporting the institution and strengthening the partnership between the university and Ilupeju-Ekiti,” he added.
Elder Ogungbemi appealed to the management of the University to approve additional science-based programmes for the town alongside the Institute of Nursing Science.
“We are prepared to host additional faculties of the university with a considerable population of students, and the land we have provided is sufficient to accommodate such development,”
The community leader charged the university to employ qualified indigenes as academic and non-academic staff.
Speaking on the development, the Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, Oba David Awe Akingbade, described his community as peaceful and conducive for teaching and learning.”
“The environment here is very conducive for teaching, and we have always maintained peace and order to support growth.”
Oba Akingbade also urged the university to consider expanding its programmes in the community.
“We are ready to host additional faculties, and the people of Ilupeju-Ekiti will continue to support initiatives that benefit both the university and our town.”
The vice chancellor of the University, Prof. Olamilekan Ogunwole, represented by the DVC, Prof Tajudeen Opoola explained that the gesture was not merely handing over buildings but the transfer of trust, partnership and shared commitment towards the advancement of education, healthcare and community development.
He commended the efforts of the Ilupeju Development Association, affirming that their vision was instrumental in making the project a reality.
The vice chancellor said the University was committed towards ensuring that the institute of Nursing sciences becomes a center of academic and professional excellence that will bring pride, recognition and sustainable development to Ilupeju -Ekiti.
