A bill seeking to upgrade the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora, to a full university has scaled first reading at the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Make Provision for the Establishment, Constitution and Functions of the Oyo State University of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora and for Matters Connected Therewith,” passed first reading during plenary on Thursday.
It was co-sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, representing Ibarapa East State Constituency, Hon Peter Ojedokun, representing Ibarapa Central/North State Constituency, and the Leader of the House, Hon Sanjo Adedoyin.
The proposed legislation seeks to provide the legal and institutional framework for the establishment of the Oyo State University of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.
It is expected to define the constitution, administration, powers, functions and responsibilities of the proposed university.
If passed, the bill will transform OYSCATECH from its current status as a college of agriculture and technology into a full-fledged university, allowing it to offer degree programmes and undertake higher-level teaching, research and innovation.
OYSCATECH, located in Igboora, has historically served as a state-owned tertiary institution focused on agriculture, technology and technical manpower development.
Its evolution into a university would represent a major expansion of its academic mandate and institutional capacity.
Speaking on the bill, Ogundoyin said the first reading marks the initial stage of the legislative process.
“The move is particularly significant for Ibarapa, where agriculture remains a major component of our local economy, as the proposed institution would serve as a centre for agricultural education, research, technological innovation and skills development tailored to the needs of the region and the state at large,” he said.
“The proposed university is also expected to strengthen the state’s human-capital development in agriculture and technology, while providing increased access to higher education for young people within Ibarapa, Oyo State and beyond,” he added.
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