The Vice-Chancellor, Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, Professor Adesola Ajayi, has called for the strengthening of technical and applied science education, saying they remain central to Nigeria’s development.
This is as he also said, universities must become hubs of practical innovation rather than mere centres of theory.
He spoke while fielding questions from reporters at a press conference, as part of activities marking the convocation week of the University.
He noted that the mandate of the institution as a technology-focused university is to produce graduates who are technically grounded, entrepreneurially prepared, and globally competitive.
Speaking on the graduation statistics, he said no fewer than 50 students bagged First Class Honours out of a total of 183 students who will be bagging degrees from various departments of the institution at the coming fifth convocation ceremonies.
He recalled that the emphasis on technical education formed the backdrop to the university’s training.
Giving the breakdown of the graduands, the Vice-Chancellor said that 75 graduands emerge from the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, 86 are from Engineering and Technology, and 22 from the newly established Faculty of Environmental Sciences.
While highlighting the significant infrastructural and academic progress made by the institution, Prof. Ajayi acknowledged support from both the federal and Oyo state governments, noting that the state government has allocated N2.5 billion as a capital project in this year’s budget, alongside other direct infrastructural interventions.
He added that the university has benefitted considerably from TETFund, which has committed about N4 billion towards various projects across the campus.
According to him, Infrastructural upgrades included internal road construction, a completed workshop, an ongoing staff office complex, and a 200-bed hostel built through a PPP arrangement, now approximately 90 per cent completed.
On the large number of First-Class graduates, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated the institution’s reputation for academic rigour, saying, “We have a very rigorous system not only for students but for staff. Nobody gets any form of discretion to make a First Class; it is merit-based.
“In the sciences, the answers are clear; either you get them right, or you don’t. Naturally, even in federal universities, there is a preponderance of First Class and Second Class Upper graduates in the sciences, and we are a major science institution.”
He disclosed that on security, the university has introduced proactive measures to protect students, adding that Amotekun operatives have been specially deployed to the institution, while a full perimeter fence has been completed.
“Our security staff have also undergone government-facilitated training to strengthen campus safety,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the university’s commitment to staff development through continuous training and retraining, aimed at enhancing performance and welfare.
He added that this year’s convocation is particularly significant as it coincides with the university’s 13th Founders’ Week.
“Although the institution received its licence in 2012, academic activities formally began in January 2018. Since then, the university has grown “steadily, purposefully and responsibly.
“This year’s graduating set includes the first cohorts from Science Laboratory Technology, Civil Engineering, Industrial and Production Engineering, and all six programmes within the Faculty of Environmental Sciences.
“The celebrations began with a Thanksgiving Service on 7 December, while a Jumat Service will hold on Friday, ahead of the Convocation ceremony on Saturday, which Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to attend.”
“A distinguishing feature of the university is that every student graduates with three certificates: a Bachelor’s degree, a Diploma in Entrepreneurship, and a Diploma in French.
“This tripartite certification reflects the institution’s vision to produce graduates who are academically grounded, entrepreneurially equipped, and linguistically empowered”, he said
He added that when the pioneer First-Class graduates completed their studies, each received a scholarship, and those who opted to work at the university were employed at a monthly salary of N150,000 and sponsored for postgraduate degrees, support which now extends to their PhD programmes.
The Vice-Chancellor further stressed that as a technology institution, the university is committed to research that solves real problems.
“The Research Committee has adopted Ibadan metropolis as its research laboratory, with final-year projects tied to observed community needs. Examples include a smart device for detecting adulterated fuel, engineering solutions for domestic electrical faults, and prototypes addressing urban and environmental challenges.
“The university’s entrepreneurship programme helps students refine these innovations, pitch ideas, and receive mentorship, resulting in graduates who excel globally, with some now working as academics abroad.”
Professor Ajayi said the institution maintained strong partnerships with industries, private companies, and professional bodies to provide students with internships, industry exposure, and employment opportunities.
He added that the university’s governance structure is rooted in transparency, merit, and clearly defined succession plans guided by established laws, with recruitment based on measurable performance indicators.
