After years of anticipation, the dream of establishing a federal university in Oke Ogun, Oyo State, is closer than ever. Barring any last-minute changes, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to sign the bill that will officially bring the institution to life.
According to reliable sources within the presidency, the bill—previously stalled despite being passed by the last Senate under President Muhammadu Buhari—gained renewed momentum due to the intervention of prominent Oke Ogun indigenes. Leading this effort is Professor Segun Gbadegesin, a close associate of President Tinubu, who rallied support to ensure the bill did not remain overlooked.
The push for the university intensified when Tinubu approved the establishment of multiple universities across the country, yet the proposed Federal University of Agriculture, Oke Ogun, remained absent from the list. Concerned elites from the region, spearheaded by Professor Gbadegesin, stepped in to appeal for presidential assent.
Their argument was clear: Oke Ogun, often regarded as the food basket of Oyo State, deserves a federal university that aligns with its agricultural strength. Beyond contributing to national food security, the institution would mark the first significant federal presence in the area, which comprises 10 local government areas.
The bill, originally sponsored by Senator Fatai Buhari, had previously seen strong backing during a public hearing attended by traditional rulers and community leaders. However, enthusiasm waned over time, and it took the recent efforts of notable Oke Ogun figures to reignite interest and advocacy for its approval.
With presidential assent now imminent, hopes are high that Oke Ogun will finally witness the long-overdue establishment of a federal university, paving the way for educational and economic growth in the region.
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