The story of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, begins with a vision for scientific advancement and regional development. At the center of this historic step stands Major General Adedeji Sasaenia Oresanya, a senior military officer who played a defining role in establishing the institution during his tenure as Military Governor of the old Oyo State. His leadership set in motion a legacy that continues to influence education and innovation across southwestern Nigeria.
READ MORE: Ancient & Pre-Colonial Nigeria
Early Life and Foundations
Born on 13 March 1946, Adedeji Sasaenia Oresanya emerged during a period of national transition. Although many details of his early years are not widely documented, his later professional path reflects a career that blended discipline, leadership, and public service. His journey into the Nigerian Army began in 1970 and laid the foundation for a series of influential roles within the military establishment.
Military Career and Public Service
Oresanya’s military service spanned multiple command, instructional, and administrative responsibilities. He served as Directing Staff and Chief Instructor at the Senior Division of the Command and Staff College in Jaji, shaping the training of officers in strategic and operational leadership. He also took on responsibilities in the Army Supply and Transport Corps, and later served at Army Headquarters in Lagos. These roles strengthened his profile as an administrator with a wide range of practical experience.
Governor of Old Oyo State
When Oresanya became Military Governor of the old Oyo State on 27 July 1988, he inherited a region rich in culture, agriculture, and economic promise. At the time, there was a growing need for institutions that could foster scientific learning, technological innovation, and advanced research. The government took interest in creating a university that would be dedicated to these fields, and Oresanya’s administration advanced the process with clarity and purpose.
Establishing the Oyo State University of Technology
On 23 April 1990, Governor Oresanya signed the edict that officially established the Oyo State University of Technology in Ogbomoso. This decision marked a major investment in higher education, aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills necessary for industrial and scientific development. The university was envisioned as an institution that would train students in practical disciplines and respond to the needs of an increasingly modern society.
The First Academic Session
Academic activities commenced on 19 October 1990. That first session welcomed 436 students admitted into four founding faculties. Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Management Sciences, and Pure and Applied Sciences. These areas of study reflected a deliberate focus on fields essential to national planning, environmental development, scientific advancement, and technological progress. It was a beginning that combined ambition with clear academic direction.
Evolution into Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
In 1991, the political landscape changed with the creation of Osun State from the old Oyo State. This adjustment led to institutional restructuring, after which the university adopted a new name. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH. The renaming honored a prominent regional figure and reflected the shared stewardship of the institution by Oyo and Osun States. Despite the change in name, the university retained its commitment to science, engineering, and applied research.
Expansion into Health Sciences
As the university grew, it introduced the College of Health Sciences. This addition strengthened its academic standing and broadened its service to the public. By incorporating medical programs alongside engineering, environmental studies, and pure sciences, LAUTECH expanded its capacity to produce skilled professionals in both health and technological sectors. This development marked a major turning point in its growth and influence.
Oresanya’s Passing and Enduring Impact
Major General Adedeji Sasaenia Oresanya passed away on 22 March 1998 at the age of 52. Although his time in public life was not long, his influence on education in Oyo and Osun States endures. The institution he helped establish has grown into a leading university known for its academic strength and contributions to national development. Generations of students have passed through its halls, carrying forward the impact of a decision made decades ago.
LAUTECH as a Continuing Force
Today, LAUTECH stands as one of Nigeria’s respected technological universities. Its programs in engineering, applied sciences, medical sciences, and related fields continue to attract thousands of students each year. The university’s story is rooted in a practical response to regional needs, and its growth shows how a well conceived policy can evolve into a long standing institution of national importance.
EXPLORE NOW: Military Era & Coups in Nigeria
Author’s Note
The story of LAUTECH’s foundation reveals how purposeful leadership and clear educational priorities can shape opportunities for future generations. From the establishment of its first faculties to its expansion into health sciences, the university’s journey reflects the lasting value of forward looking decisions. The legacy of Major General Adedeji Sasaenia Oresanya lives on through an institution that continues to provide knowledge, skill, and opportunity to communities across Nigeria.
References
Bleri Foundation Biography. ORESANYA, Colonel Sasaenia Adedeji
LAUTECH. History
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
