Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), for its significant contributions to intellectual growth and human capital development within the state and beyond.
The governor, who is the visitor to the university, made the commendation at the institution’s 14th Convocation Ceremony held at the weekend, where a total of 5,799 students graduated.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the management for successfully steering the university through challenging times and pledged that his administration would look into its funding challenges.
He charged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the university and Ondo State, urging them to uphold the values of integrity, discipline, and service.
In his address, the pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Tunji Abayomi, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to sustaining and elevating the institution’s status within the global academic community.
Dr Abayomi said AAUA possesses the capacity to become Nigeria’s leading citadel of knowledge and research, and among the best globally, if adequately funded.
He therefore made a case for an annual subvention of ₦12 billion to enable the university realise its lofty aspirations.
He noted that the council had provided quality oversight and worked closely with the Senate to introduce innovative strategies aimed at ensuring continuous growth and holistic development.
“Our aspiration to place the university on the global map demands the cooperation and support of all stakeholders. We have recommitted ourselves to the vision of our founding fathers in pursuit of academic excellence,” Abayomi said.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige said the university had recorded tremendous progress under his five-year stewardship, maintaining its status as a leading centre of research and learning.
Prof. Ige disclosed that out of the 5,799 graduates, 32 earned First Class Honours degrees, stressing that the graduating population comprised 5,251 undergraduates, 526 postgraduates and 22 diploma students.
He announced automatic employment for the First Class graduates after the completion of their National Youth Service, while urging all graduands to exemplify the values and discipline instilled in them by the institution.
“Learning is a lifelong journey that requires discipline, perseverance and vision. Carry the spirit and values of Adekunle Ajasin University wherever life leads you. Be ambassadors of integrity, diligence and service,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted achievements recorded in research, academic expansion, staff and student welfare, infrastructure, sports development and global partnerships.
He noted that the university expanded its faculties from seven to ten, with the establishment of new faculties of Administration and Management Sciences, Allied Health Sciences and Computing, as well as new departments including French, Food Science, and Library and Information Science.
Prof. Ige also revealed that nine AAUA scholars were listed in the prestigious Elsevier–Stanford Global Ranking for 2024, describing the feat as a testament to the institution’s growing research influence.
On infrastructure, he said the university completed new Faculty of Science and Faculty of Social Sciences buildings, renovated several academic facilities and upgraded its Business School in Akure, despite financial constraints.
As his tenure winds down in the second half of next year, Prof. Ige expressed gratitude to the Visitor, staff, students and unions for their support and cooperation.
“I bow out with profound gratitude, having together weathered storms, celebrated victories and upheld the vision of our founding fathers,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the graduands, the Overall Best Graduating Student, Folake Racheal Omonitan of the Department of Biochemistry, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.79, attributed her success to focus and determination.
She urged her fellow graduates to face the future with confidence and belief, stressing that nothing is impossible with commitment and perseverance.