adequate investment in research in the areas where Nigeria has comparative advantage so as to meet the
21st century challenges.
Similarly, Dr Mimiko stressed the need for devolution of more resources to states to enable them to cope
with the various challenges, including demands for salary increment in all sectors of the economy. Dr
Mimiko gave the advice in his office in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a courtesy call on him by the
chairman and members of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Advancement Board.
According to Mimiko, the Federal Government needed to invest heavily in tertiary education as the
gateway to technological and scientific transformation of the nation.
He specifically urged President Goodluck Jonathan to remain resolute in his desire to ensure technological
breakthrough of the nation, saying that was the solution for the country and a right path to its greatness as
a country. The governor noted that the country should concentrate on the development of solar system as
alternative to its power problem, since it has advantage in the area, stressing that Nigeria was endowed
with human capital resources capable of turning around the fortune of the country.
His words: “We must invest in research and other areas where we have comparative advantages if we are
to develop as a nation. Nigeria is about to enter into a new season of hope, if fact, this is the period of hope
and prosperity for Nigeria. We have keyed into it, we believe it and each time we pray that Almighty God
will strengthen Mr. President with energy and wisdom for Nigeria to fully enter this period of renaissance
to recreate and re-engineer our society. “Whatever we plan to do as nation, as I was telling the members of
our Council yesterday, that the investment we make in education determines the level of achievement
tomorrow, there is no magic about it. So, education is central and core and the President has already
shown enough commitment.
“I think he wants to re-engineer the system, to study about the fact that this tier of government should be
allowed to handle in a very responsible way its own assigned responsibility. Our prayer and hope is that as
he assigns responsibilities, he should also assign resources so that government at this level will be able to
afford the necessary investment that we have to make in the education sector.” Governor Mimiko however
stressed the need for devolution of more resources to states to enable them cope with the various
challenges, including demands for salary increment in all sectors of the economy.
He added “We all know the season we are. We are in the season of emolument and salary enhancement,
there is minimum wage, enhanced salary for health workers, enhanced salary for ASUU, this is the season
for enhanced salary. Taking politics aside, I’m one of those who believe that these wages are nothing if we
consider what the market says”. We have also advocated that it is necessary for us to tinker with the
revenue allocation formula so that the state and federal government could live up to their responsibilities. I
believe that every stakeholder in Nigeria who is serious about development must ensure that we devolve
resources to the state and local governments to carry out our basic responsibilities”.
Earlier in his speech, the chairman of the board, Mr Segun Aina said the board has mapped out four years
development strategy to consolidate the source of income generation for the university considering its
numerous developmental challenges. He however solicited more support from the state government in the
various areas of development of the institution. Also, the vice-chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adebisi Balogun
commended the state government for the various infrastructural developments across the state, which he
described as unprecedented and unique.
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