From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
The Provost, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Prof Olayiwola Usman, has said the college needs N3billion for it to take off as a University of Special Needs Education.
Move to upgrade the college to a degree awarding institution has already reached advanced stage following a motion tabled at the House of Representatives by the member representing Oyo Federal Constituency, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi.
Usman, who spoke during a press conference to kick off the college’s 40th anniversary celebration and mark the second year in office of the Provost, at the School of Special Education Hall, Oyo, said he had met with the relevant committees of the House and Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, and received assurances on government’s commitment to convert the institution to a full- fledged university.
He, however, noted that only the availability of funds could delay actualisation of the dream. According to him, the Federal Government would require at least N3billion as take off grant for the project.
The Provost said government had successfully provided the needed support and right environment for the growth of the college in line with its commitment to the provision of special education as contained in the National Policy on Education, particularly through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and capital grants.
“Our College is today second to none in the concentration of facilities for qualitative teaching and training of special education professionals. We will continue to advocate for the conversion of this very unique college to a University of Special Needs Education,” he said.
Prof Usman disclosed that former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, is billed alongside other eminent Nigerians to receive the Distinguished Awards of the college, for their contributions to the growth of the college. Obasanjo was the head of state in 1977 when the college was established.