Date Published: 01/28/10

Ekiti Education Varsity to remain in Ikere -Govt

Controversies surrounding the establishment of The University of Education, Ikere Ekiti (TUNEDIK) has finally been resolved as the Ekiti State Government has said that the university will remain in Ikere while a new State College of Education will be sited in a new location.

According a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Ambassador Dare Bejide, the resolution was an aftermath of wide consultations with the State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ikere Community.

Ambassador Bejide, who also disclosed that a committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sikiru Tae Lawal has been set up to make recommendations on the location of the new State College of Education, said the committee will submit its reports within two weeks.

Other members of the committee are Dr. Oyarekun-Adejugbe Moji, Dr. Kunle Adelusi, Dr. Dupe Olaniyan and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. K. O. Aderiye, who is to serve as the committee secretary.

“As part of the State Government’s determination to resolve the lingering crisis of Higher Institution of learning in Ikere-Ekiti, the State government in consultation with Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ikere Community has resolved that The University of Education should remain in Ikere-Ekiti while the College of Education be sited in a new location.

“To this end, a committee headed by Mr. Deputy Governor has been constituted by the State Government, to make recommendations on the location of the new State College of Education,” the statement read.

It would be recalled that TUNEDIK was established in January, 20, 2008 as the 31st state University and the 92nd University in Nigeria. The University formally took off on the 16th of May, 2008 as an upgrade of the College of Education, Ikere Ekiti.

The intention of government was that the College will be phased out for the University because the National University Commission (NUC) regulation of not allowing universities to award NCE is clear and remains still in force.