By Solomon Odeniyi
There is cheery news to teachers in Osun state who never thought of having a house of their own due to their meager salaries. The Osun State Universal Basic Education says it has collaborated with Federal Ministry of Education to have a housing scheme for all teachers in the state.
The Housing scheme which is the first in the Southwest will have a minimum of 50 houses per location with a community centre, shopping mall, an elementary and middle school, private health centre among other things that would make live comfortable for the teachers.
The houses, 3 bedroom flats which are pegged below N5m have attracted about 1,200 off takers whose salaries are being deducted by the National Housing Fund.
To be a beneficiary, you must be a teacher in the state and have an agreed token being deducted for 6months from your salary. The rest is spread between 15 and 25 years, depending on the number of years you have left in service, says the Executive Chairman of the Osun State Universal Basic Education Board, Prince Felix Awofisayo.
The Osun SUBEB boss explained that the first prototype, built at Onikoko in Ile-Ife which would be replicated across the state would be commissioned before the expiration of Ogbeni Aregbesola’s tenure, adding that the project was birthed in the ancient city of Ife because they were first to meet up with the criteria of providing 50 hectares of land through the Ife Community Board.
He gave the assurance that houses would be built anywhere in the state where land is offered with teachers to take up the houses.
“Ilesa people saw sense in it and they have also donated 25 hectares of land, they have done the survey and we have taken possession of that. Osogbo own is in the process now. We are yet to receive the survey plan. They are also donating 25 hectares of land around Osunjela by river Osun,” The Osun SUBEB boss added.
He lauded the incumbent governor for always trying to make a difference which made Osun the first to have such a project in the whole of southwest.
He said, “Osun is kick starting this because of Aregbesola’s vision which is to always strive to make a difference. All the credits must be given to him for keying into this right from the proposal stage. He provided all needed materials and support to make this project a reality”.
“I must also commend the efforts of the incumbent NUT chairman, Alhaji Wakili Amuda who joined hands with SUBEB to ensure that the teachers buy into the project. He went round the local governments on the need to key into the project. Also, a special commendation goes to Unity Bank which donated N10m to this project and that was used as a takeoff grant for the Ile-Ife project.
“The efforts of Fatai Kole Oyebanji, Director of Admin and Supply would not go unnoticed. He served as the link between the consultants and the federal ministry of education”, he added.
Awofisayo said he is assured that the project would be sustained and participation would increase after the governor’s exit from office and when the new administration assumed office.
The CEO, PROSOLVE, Dr. Adegoke Yemi described as cordial the working relationship between his firm and SUBEB, assuring that other projects would be completed on time and in accordance with the stipulated standard.
He lauded the efforts of the governor and the SUBEB chairman for bringing the project to reality as their predecessors have failed to have it done.
