"Town and gown" relations is the complex relationship within every city or town with a university. This dynamic is crucial not only for the university’s success but also for the well-being and development of both students and local communities as Universities contribute significantly to their host communities, offering economic stimulation, cultural enrichment, educational opportunities, community-engaged research and learning opportunities.
The large annual influx of students into the University of Ilesa since 2023 has resulted in dramatic changes to the housing market, disrupts community cohesion, and skews the local economy to primarily cater to student needs.
Given these impacts, the University of Ilesa management on Thursday showed its commitments by establishing the Town and Gown Committee to promote positive relations between the University and the residents of surrounding Ilesa-Iddo-Imola-Ibodi-Osu axis of Ijesaland.
The committee that is headed by Dr. Olamiposi Aduroja has Dr. O.O.M. Fasipe as member/Secretary. Other University administrators coopted as members are Dr. O.Odekunle, Dr. Henry Adenigbagbe.
High Chief Olalekan Folorunso Salami is to represent the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, HIM Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, Oloja of Ibodi Oba Agboluaje Sade is represented by Ọba Adewumi Loyin and Oba Adebayo Michael Oludo of Ido-Ijesa is also a member.
Other members are the DPO A Division Ayeso, Ilesa, DPO B Division Ijamo, Ilesa DPO D Division,Ilesa DPO, Osu Division, State Security Department, representative of Nigerian Army, Ibodi, the Civil Defence Corps, Ilesa, transport associations and the landlords Association.
In his speech at the inauguration of the Committee, Prof. Taiwo Asaolu, Vice-Chancellor UniIlesa, highlighted the purpose of the Committee as to promote cooperation, understanding, and mutual benefit between the institution and the surrounding communities.
"In specific terms, the objectives of the Committee are to foster cooperation and understanding between the university and local community; Address issues of mutual concern, such as safety, security ,and environmental sustainability; Enhance the quality of life for students, staff, and community members; Foster economic development and partnerships"
"You will all agree with me that the University of llesa, Osun State, is indeed a blessing to the community, bringing about great socioeconomic development and opportunities for growth. The huge investment of the University in sports development is a great example of this, with its sports centre and facilities now serving as a hub for sporting activities, which are open to the public.
"Our plan to establish a College of Health Sciences is another exciting development. The College will obviously need a Teaching Hospital Complex and through this, the community can look forward to benefiting from quality healthcare services.
"The University's presence therefore guarantees socioeconomic development for the community and to achieve academic stability and maximize the benefits offered by UNILESA, it is essential for all stakeholders to work together. By working together, the University of lesa can achieve its vision of becoming a foremost university contributing to sustainable national development." Prof. Asaolu remarked as he appreciated the State Government, led by His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Executive Governor and Visitor to the University for giving tremendous support to the University.
The Committee will meet regularly to discuss issues of mutual Concern, develop initiatives to promote community engagement, and collaborate with local authorities to address shared challenges.
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