Three monarchs in Ikale land have assured the Vice-Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Prof. Temi Emmanuel Ologunorisa of their unflinching cooperation and support during his tenure in office.

The traditional rulers of Igodan Lisa, Igbodigo and Ayeka gave the assurances when the Vice-Chancellor paid them courtesy visits on Thursday, 17 November, 2022 as part of his familiarization with the host communities.

Prof. Ologunorisa, who assumed duty on 23 February, 2022 during the eight-month industrial action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), could not visit the hosting traditional rulers.

Speaking, the Regent of Ayeka Kingdom, Princess (Barrister) Olayemi Bajowa, who currently occupies the Lumure royal stool, said she would cooperate and assist the Vice-Chancellor in any possible ways as her late father stood by Ologunorisa's predecessors.

She noted that the impact of the institution is being felt in her domains as the gulley erosion tearing apart her community had been addressed as a result of having the institution's School of Engineering and Engineering Technology in her domain, as she offered her royal blessings.

The Regent stated that the fame of Prof. Ologunorisa had preceded him with the introduction of the School of Management Sciences and working hard to start Bachelor of Science in Applied Geology and Bachelor of Nursing Science within a short time.

The monarch, who received VC and his entourage in her palace with the Lumure in council, said it was a privilege to have a Scholar of Extraordinary Ability as head of OAUSTECH, saying that the institution is on the path to greatness.

Also, the Obagberume of Igbodigo, Oba John Ebunola Aiyeku, Akinyomi I, offered his royal blessings to the VC and OAUSTECH, saying he was happy with the recent developments in the institution since Ologunorisa came on board.

The Obagberume in council pleaded that the throne should be carried along in activities of the institution as one of the landlords, saying that his subjects should be considered whenever there are opportunities for employment so as to benefit as a major hosting community.

Earlier, the newly installed Olu of Igodan Lisa, Oba Adeduwo Olusegun warmly welcome the visiting Vice-Chancellor and his entourage, as he called for a closer relationship between the institution and his community.

Oba Adeduwo said there would be a lot to be gained from the symbiotic relationship. "We are partners in progress. We can work together."

The Olu in council had unanimously requested for more employment opportunities at the senior level for indigenes of the community as well as support for the local security outfit ensuring security of lives and property of the students residing in Igodan Lisa.

The monarch pleaded with Prof. Ologunorisa to advise students residing in Igodan Lisa to cooperate with the host community to curb the menace of burglary, theft and sexual harassment.

Responding, Prof. Ologunorisa stated that he also came from a university town, Akungba-Akoko, so he understood their agitations, promising to present the matter to the University Governing Council because he could not employ without the approval of council.

He explained that universities are technical in nature and as such employment into senior staff level is based on the area of needs of the various components of the institution.

OAUSTECH VC had sought the blessings and cooperation of the royal fathers for his administration and the institution.

Accompanying the VC on the visits were: Mr. Ganiyu Oke Saliu (Registrar), Mr. Bamidele Aminu (Acting Bursar), Prof. David Aworinde (Dean of Science and Chairman, Committee of Deans), Prof. Olutope Adetuyi (Director of Academic Planning), Mr. Paul Adeagbo (Deputy Director Information, Protocol and Public Relations) and Mr. Daniel Anikor (Personal Assistant to the VC).