By Dare Akogun
The Igbomina Youth Assembly, a leading socio-cultural youth group in Igbomina land, has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the recent decision of the Kwara State government to convert the College of Education, Ilorin, into the Kwara State University of Education, instead of upgrading the College of Education, Oro.
A statement issued by the publicity Secretary Abdulrasaq Ismael Opeyemi quoted the president of the group Engr. Jimoh Rasheed Temitope, stated that the call become necessary inorder for the state to address regional disparities and promote inclusive growth across all parts of Kwara State.
Engr. Temitope stated that the decision is profoundly disheartening and neglects the only senatorial district in Kwara State without a public university.
He highlighted that the College of Education in Oro, being the oldest among the state-owned colleges, possesses the resources and land mass for immediate and future expansion, along with a longstanding legacy that deserves recognition through such a significant upgrade.
“This decision, which places yet another major educational institution in the state capital, Ilorin, creates an imbalance in the distribution of state-owned institutions and government infrastructure,” said Temitope.
“Currently, over 90% of these facilities are concentrated in Ilorin, a clear deviation from the principles of justice and fairness. This imbalance threatens the harmonious living that Kwara State is known for and undermines the equitable development of all regions within the state.”
The Igbomina Youth Assembly emphasized that the southern part of the state continues to experience marginalization and oppression.
They pointed out that while past and present administrations have failed to complete the Osi and Okuta satellite campuses of Kwara State University (KWASU), the conversion of the General Hospital, Ilorin to Kwara State University Teaching Hospital was swiftly executed simply because it is located in Ilorin.
Additionally, the promised Kwara South Industrial Park remains unfulfilled, among other commitments.
“It is disheartening that the southern part of the state continues to experience marginalization and oppression,” said Temitope.
The group noted that in just a few days, Ilorin has received the establishment of both the KWASU Teaching Hospital and the Kwara State University of Education, among several other ongoing infrastructural projects, while other regions are given meager consideration.
They argue that this clearly shows the government’s focus on the state capital and neglect of other areas in key infrastructural development.
The group however call upon the state government to reconsider this decision in the interest of justice, fairness, and equitable development.
They urge all stakeholders, including community leaders, policymakers, and the general public, to join them in advocating for a balanced distribution of educational institutions and government resources in the state.
“Only through such equity can we foster a truly harmonious and inclusive society in Kwara State,” concluded Temitope.
He reiterated the group’s commitment to continue advocating for the interests of Kwara South and ensuring that the region receives its fair share of development projects.
