OFFA born academics in Kwara State under the auspices of Offa Professors Forum have appealed to the state government to be fair in appointment in the state-owned tertiary institutions and government establishments.
They made the appeals at the inaugural meeting of the forum and charged the Kwara State Government to take deliberate steps to redress the lopsided nature of its appointments into Principal Officers position in the government establishments in the state, particularly the tertiary institutions.
The meeting, which was co-chaired by Prof. Bayo Lawal and Prof. Sam Niyi Ojo observed that Offa is presently blessed with no fewer than 100 professors in virtually all areas of knowledge and serving in institutions in Nigeria and abroad.
In their separate presentations, Lawal; the convener, Prof. Hussein Bukoye Oloyede; and Prof. Bashir Raji, former Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo, highlighted the significant role of Offa to human capital development, especially in the area of western education.
The forum said Offa placed a lot of premium on education as far back as 20th century and that this was stimulated by the establishment of St Mark’s (Anglican) Primary School in 1909 by the Church Missionary Society.
The academics also noted that the establishment of Offa Grammar School, which was the first community-owned Secondary School in the then Northern Nigeria in 1943 by the Offa Descendant Union, that resulted in production of a vast number of Offa indigenes, who are well educated remained a milestone.
The forum frowned that Kwara State Government is not equitable in its appointment to Principal Officers position in the state-owned tertiary institutions
The professors observed that there is a noticeable decline in quest for education amongst the youth, especially the girl-child.
The forum appointed Oloyede, VC Summit University, Offa; Prof. Musibau Akanji, immediate past VC of FUTMinna; Prof. Raufu Dunmoye, former Dean Social Sciences ABU, Zaria; and Prof Taibat Mojo Bakare-Odunola as pro-tem executive.
The forum would be providing informed advice to relevant authorities on emerging issues as might be required from time to time.
According to a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the forum said: “Kwara State Government should be impressed upon to take deliberate steps to redress the lop- sided nature of its appointment to Principal Officers position in its tertiary institutions and other government establishments.”
The forum congratulated Prof. M. O. Oyawoye, the beacon of academic endeavour in Offa, for attaining the age of 91 years and launching of his autobiography.
It prayed for more years of service to his motherland for Oyawoye.
The forum also congratulated the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Oloyede, Esuwoye II, the Offa Descendant Union and all sons and daughters of Offa for the construction and handing over of a N700 million Mobile Police barrack to the Nigerian Police.
The OPF noted that it was the reminiscent of the community self-help spirit that gave birth to Offa Grammar School and other community projects.
The forum expressed its gratitude to Olofa of Offa for receiving members on courtesy call in spite of his busy schedule at the period.
The meeting also expressed its appreciation to Oyawoye for granting audience to its members on courtesy call.
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