Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso has again retained its number one position as the best state university in Nigeria for the past two years. The ranking was published by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings in its latest publication, January 2024.Oyo State commissioner for information and civic orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the publication also named Covenant University, Otta and the University of Ibadan as the two other topmost Nigerian universities. Oyelade recalled that for 11 years, LAUTECH lost its past glory and was compromised for political gains but since Governor Seyi Makinde came on board, the fortunes of the university changed radically.
LAUTECH's turnaround was further consolidated by the success of Makinde to make Oyo State the sole owner of the institution by negotiating an N8 billion severance agreement with Osun State, which has now enabled him to consolidate on his ambition for the institution and expand its horizon with the establishment of the Faculty of Agriculture and Renewal Science in Iseyin last year. Commenting on the development, the commissioner for education, science and technology, Prof Saliu Adelabu, said that LAUTECH deserves this ranking because of the determination of the state government to invest in its future and make the institution the pride of Nigeria and indeed Africa.