By Gbenga Ariyibi

Ado Ekiti-The proprietor of the newly established Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti , Chief Afe Babalola has lamented the undue delay by the National University Commission (NUC) giving its nod for the immediate take-off of the institution , saying the delay would discourage parents who have indicate interest in sending their children to the  university

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the  construction work  of the newly established university commenced  February this year , as the institution  was billed to commence academic activities in  September this year.

Speaking   in Ado-Ekiti yesterday  during an anniversary to mark  the one year anniversary of the turning of the sod of the institution, Chief Babalola reasoned that the delay may not be unconnected with  administrative  bottleneck that  is usually associated with government establishments.

Speaking  during the  familiarization visit of the  Ekiti State governor, Engr Segun Oni  to the university, the legal luminary  said that  a lot of work has been done to ensure that  a new set of students were admitted in this year

“It was our hope that we would admit students in September, 2009. Unfortunately, due to the usual government bureaucracy, we are still expecting the provisional license.

“It is one year exactly today when, at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Segun Oni, the turning of the sod ceremony was performed. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for his patriotic and sincere interest in this project. But for him, this project would have been in Oyo State .

“Those who witnessed the ceremony will recall that this place was a thick forest. Today, it is a thing of joy that with the help of God and the cooperation, dedication and industry of those who have worked day and night on this site, we have been able to turn the thick forest into a most beautiful city.

“This is a feat which no individual or government (Federal or state) had achieved or can achieve within such a short time of seven months. It is therefore no surprise that when on the last visit of the NUC Screening Committee on Private Universities (SCOPU), they declared that our university is a model.