By Otitoju Femi
The Olosin of Osin-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Philip Eniayewu Oyediran, has declared that the community is fully prepared to host the proposed Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI), assuring the University of the community’s unwavering support, peaceful environment, and readiness to provide the facilities required for the take-off of the institute.
The monarch made the declaration on Friday, June 26, 2026, during the presentation of a formal proposal by the Osin-Ekiti community to the management of FUOYE for the establishment of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence in the town. The event was held at the Osin-Ekiti Community Multi-Purpose Hall.
Welcoming the University delegation, Oba Oyediran expressed appreciation to the FUOYE management for honouring the community’s invitation, noting that the community would ordinarily have been expected to pay the visit to the University.
“We are delighted to receive you. We ought to have come to FUOYE ourselves, but you honoured us by coming here. This is a pleasant surprise to the people of Osin-Ekiti. From the moment you stepped out of your vehicle, it was evident that you are disciplined and well-trained. We sincerely appreciate your visit,” the monarch said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Osin-Ekiti Progressive Union, Dr. Afenifiro Ayodele, explained that the community invited the University to formally present its proposal for the establishment of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence in Osin-Ekiti.
According to him, the community is committed to partnering with FUOYE and has already made adequate arrangements to facilitate the commencement of the institute.
“We are grateful that we wrote to the University and received a positive response. What we desire is the presence of FUOYE in Osin-Ekiti through the establishment of an Institute of Artificial Intelligence. We are ready to partner with the University and provide every necessary support. A suitable location has already been prepared for the institute to commence operations.
“We assure the University of our full cooperation, and FUOYE will never regret bringing the Institute of Artificial Intelligence to Osin-Ekiti. Our sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, are willing to support this noble vision,” he stated.
Responding on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Tajudeen Opoola, thanked the traditional ruler and the people of Osin-Ekiti for the warm reception accorded to the University’s delegation.
He described the proposal as a laudable initiative and assured the community that it would receive due consideration by the University management.
“We sincerely appreciate your love and commitment to FUOYE. We will convey your request to the Vice-Chancellor. The proposal to establish an Institute of Artificial Intelligence is a welcome development, especially as the University is already processing the relevant approvals with the National Universities Commission (NUC). Your proposal will be presented to the University Management for due consideration,” he said.
Professor Opoola further noted that FUOYE’s community-based satellite campuses across Ekiti State have continued to record remarkable success through strong partnerships with their host communities.
“Many communities have demonstrated exceptional commitment by providing land, constructing classrooms and ICT facilities, and even donating buses to support the University’s activities. We shall study your proposal carefully and return to inspect the facilities you have put in place,” he added.
In his vote of thanks, Mr. Ogunmilugba appealed to the University management to give favourable consideration to the proposal, expressing optimism that Osin-Ekiti would soon become another FUOYE academic hub.
He also assured the University that the community remains peaceful and secure for both staff and students.
“There are no security concerns in this town. We do not have cultural practices that restrict movement or threaten residents. Osin-Ekiti is peaceful, hospitable, and ready to welcome FUOYE,” he said.
Members of the University’s delegation included the University Librarian, Dr. Olabode Olajide; the representative of the Registrar, Dr. Dairo Ayodele Fatuase; the representative of the Bursar, Mr. Wapji Netwane; the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. J. K. Opele; and the Director of Public Affairs and Communication (DIPAC), Dr. Sunday Saanu.
Also present were prominent chiefs of Osin-Ekiti, including Chief Akinola Babatunde, Chief Adegoke Ojo, Chief Makinde Francis, Chief Ajayi Anthony, Chief Eleegbon, Chief Kayode Olugbemi, and other community leaders.
Photo credit : Femi Otitoju
