PanNigerianNews 
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso has thanked the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, for linking the institution with a university in the United States of America in the areas of collaboration and creation of prospect for funding via grant.
The Coordinating Assistant to Oba Olaoye, Rev’d Peter Olaleye, said Prof. Kalilu made the disclosure during a familiarisation visit of the monarch to LAUTECH Monday.
According to Olaleye, Prof. Kalilu, a frontliner in the contest for the appointment of substantive vice chancellorship position of the institution, recalled how the monarch threw down a gauntlet to him the first time they met, disclosing the Oba underlined emphatically he did not expect LAUTECH to be complacent with being number one state university but to step higher and rub shoulders with the best in the world.
“Our revered traditional ruler has set rolling a paradigm shift in the university as His Imperial Majesty has connected us with a United States of America’s institution towards facilitating grant for us.
“Kabiyesi told me that he would never be satisfied with the university topping the table of state universities, adding that he would rather be looking forward to a time when LAUTECH will be operating like, and competing with the best universities at the international stage.”
He, therefore, lauded the Oba for not only throwing down a challenge but that he had worked to support the institution in the drive to meet up.
The Professor of Art and Art History enthused further that Kabiyesi had fulfilled a promise by “connecting us with the who’s who in the US – that is, bodies that can help to attract grants.”
He said the university would be looking forward for the materialization of the prospective grant support.
In response, Oba Olaoye appreciated Prof Kalilu and his management team, stressing that LAUTECH is “a pride of Ogbomoso and Oyo State.”
The paramount ruler also took time to commend the Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for “his sacrifice which helped to bring the institution back to life.”
Oba Olaoye charged the acting VC and his team to put in immense efforts to make the university renowned in certain chosen fields as it is obtained in leading international institutions, noting that would assist to attract foreign grants.
He observed the university already had a track record, and so averred it could be the springboard for attracting collaborations nationally and internationally if the push is made strategically.
