In a significant move highlighting the growing collaboration between government and educational institutions, Governor Ademola Adeleke hosted the leadership of Living Spring College of Technology and Innovation at the Government House in Oke-fia, Osogbo. The meeting underlined shared ambitions for empowering young people, advancing skills training and fostering innovation across Osun State.
Governor Adeleke warmly welcomed the Rector of Living Spring College, Dr. Kehinde Abiola, together with the college’s top management team. He described the engagement as both timely and meaningful in its optimism for societal development through education. The governor emphasised that the partnership reflects a deep commitment to expanding opportunities for citizens, especially youth, in vital sectors of the economy.
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Championing Skills Training and Innovation
At the heart of discussions was a compelling proposal from Living Spring College to provide vocational training for 1,000 beneficiaries and specialised capacity building for 250 civil servants and other participants. Governor Adeleke acknowledged that initiatives like these align perfectly with his administration’s priority areas: youth empowerment, enhanced skills acquisition and the continuous upgrading of public service capabilities.
The governor spoke with genuine appreciation for the institution’s achievements in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. He pointed to the college’s accolade for Best Institutional AI Policy in Higher Education as a testament to its leadership in cutting-edge disciplines. By spotlighting such successes, Adeleke signalled the importance of technological literacy and future-focused skills in today’s competitive landscape.
In response to the college’s plans to establish Lumina Open University in Osun, Governor Adeleke received a formal letter of approval and expressed optimism about the proposed institution’s contribution to the state’s educational diversity. He assured the delegation that the government would carefully review the proposal through the appropriate ministries and agencies, considering its potential impact on education and economic growth.
Shared Vision for Peace and Productivity
The governor also took time to commend the college for how it handled previous challenges, including the respectful and peaceful resolution of issues tied to a damaged school farm. He described this as emblematic of the administration’s values, where constructive dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution are held in high regard.
Governor Adeleke’s remarks resonated with a broader theme he has repeatedly emphasised in public statements in recent months: that empowering citizens with real skills and fostering innovation are key drivers of community and economic development across Osun. His administration’s emphasis on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship reflects a wider aspiration to reduce unemployment and unlock new opportunities for self-reliance among young people.
Dr. Kehinde Abiola, the Rector of Living Spring College, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the governor’s support. He highlighted the college’s efforts so far, noting that over a thousand state indigenes have already benefited from vocational training programmes. Plans are underway to expand training in artificial intelligence and other emerging fields aimed at equipping civil servants and students with relevant, future-ready skills.
Dr. Abiola also thanked the state government for its role in defusing tensions between the college and local cattle breeders, preventing what could have become a more serious dispute and preserving harmony within the community. His remarks reflected the importance of collaborative problem-solving in strengthening community relationships.
Community Support and the Path Ahead
The visit included notable support from community leaders. The Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Osun State, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi, and the Chairman of Seriki Fulani in Osun State, Alhaji Ibrahim Babatunde, pledged full backing for Governor Adeleke’s vision and second-term ambitions. Both leaders described the administration as inclusive and attentive to the needs of diverse groups in the state, further reinforcing a sense of unity and shared purpose.
As Osun continues to cultivate partnerships that bridge government and educational institutions, the collaborative efforts between the state and Living Spring College reflect an emerging blueprint for advancing technical and technological training. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to deepen innovation ecosystems, empower citizens with practical skills and create an environment where talent can thrive.
Governor Adeleke’s approach underscores a clear message for the state: that education, especially when combined with technical skills and innovation, can fuel sustainable growth, build resilient communities and open pathways to meaningful employment. His administration’s ongoing support for vocational and emerging technology education signals a renewed focus on equipping Osun’s youth for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.
The state government’s collaborative stance with educational institutions echoes current global trends where governments and private organisations work hand-in-hand to nurture talent, promote innovation and lay the foundations for robust economic development in the digital age.
Governor Adeleke’s pledge of support for Living Spring College marks another step towards realising a more skilled, empowered and innovative generation of young Nigerians, ready to contribute to their communities and the broader economy.
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