Lagos — Constrained by the limited space at its present campus in Yaba, Lagos, the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) last week laid the foundation stone of its new School of Agriculture, at its new campus in Odoragushin, near Epe, Lagos.

Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony, the Rector, Chief Olubunmi Owoso, stated that the shortage of land at Yaba had hindered the expansion plans of the institution.

He said the new campus is starting off with the School of Agriculture because the College recognises farming as the mainstay of the country's economy. Chief Owoso said it became more imperative to go back to the land due to the dwindling resources from oil.

The Rector said that when the project is completed in 24 weeks, a centre for Entrepreneurship Development would be built to encourage the students to become employers of labour, rather than looking for jobs that are not available.

Also speaking at the occasion, former Governor of Lagos State and the Asiwaju of Odoragushin, Sir Michael Otedola, described the foundation-laying ceremony as a landmark and laudable achievement for the community.

He thanked God and the school management for making the event possible. According to him, lack of funds had delayed the construction of the new campus since 1987 when the site was acquired.

The traditional ruler of the community, Oba Olawale Adegoke prayed that the coming of the college to Odoragunshin would bring prosperity to the town. He called on his subjects to give all the necessary support to ensure the successful completion of the project.

The Odoragushin campus of the Yaba College of Technology is situated on 35 hectares of land. The college also has another site at Otta, Ogun State.