The Ondo State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has announced “automatic employment” for 32 outstanding graduates of the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing to unveil activities for the university’s 14th convocation ceremony.
Ige described the initiative as part of efforts to curb the growing brain drain in Nigeria’s academic sector.
He explained that the beneficiaries – all first-class graduates – would be offered appointments as Graduate Fellows or Graduate Assistants, provided they are willing to return after completing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
“We have a policy on campus that first-class students are appointed as Graduate Fellows or Graduate Assistants. We normally give them employment if they are interested in coming back after their NYSC,” he said.
According to him, the widespread “Japa syndrome” is now taking a toll on universities nationwide, as lecturers leave the country in search of better remuneration.
“A PhD holder in Nigeria – as Lecturer II or Lecturer I – earns a maximum of about N250,000 monthly. But if that same person gets an opportunity abroad, they receive nothing less than N5 million,” he lamented.
The VC noted that the 5,799 graduating students have been equipped with essential academic and entrepreneurial skills needed to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
However, Prof. Ige decried the inadequate funding of AAUA, saying the constraint continues to fuel agitation among academic staff and worsen the exodus of university personnel.
“Funding in AAUA is inadequate, and that is why the issue of strike by ASUU came up. What was coming in as subvention was grossly inadequate to meet the university’s needs,” he added.
He emphasised that adequate funding is key to strengthening Nigerian universities and aligning them with global standards.
The VC revealed the breakdown of the graduating students, revealing that 5,251 of the 5,799 are undergraduates, 526 are postgraduate students, and 22 will receive diploma certificates.
“32 bagged First Class honours, 1,444 earned Second Class Upper Division, 3,177 obtained Second Class Lower Division, 582 made Third Class, and 16 will graduate with Pass.”
As part of the convocation ceremony, Prof Ige said a convocation lecture titled “Strengthening the Academic Tradition in the Nigerian University System” would be delivered by Professor Idowu Olayinka, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
Prof. Ige, whose five-year tenure as Vice-Chancellor ends in a few months, said his only regret was his inability to build new student hostels due to a lack of TETFund intervention.
“My target was to build as many halls of residence for students using the TETFund template, but unfortunately, when I came in, TETFund had stopped intervention in our university,” he said.
He, however, highlighted notable academic advancements during his administration, including the introduction of programmes in cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, and other digital – skills – driven disciplines.
Rumour emerged on Wednesday that some Boko Haram members have invaded the community, creating panic mostly among students and residents of Akungba-Akoko town.
The Union, in a statement issued on Friday, described the claim as false and capable of causing unnecessary panic among students and residents of the Akungba-Akoko community.
A copy of the statement signed by the Union President, Comrade Salami Akeem; General Secretary, Bakare Jamiu Abiodun; and Public Relations Officer, Ajidagba Mosadoluwa, was obtained by The Nation.
According to the statement, security agencies, including the Army and Police, were immediately contacted to verify the rumour and ensure the safety of the university environment.
The Union condemned the report as “misleading information which has caused fear, anxiety, and total dismay among students and the community at large,” suggesting that it may have originated from someone “highly intoxicated or under the influence of hard substances.”
Assuring students of their safety, the Union stated: “With great assurance, the community is free from any attack, and we urge students to remain calm and without fear but with security consciousness.”
It reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the welfare and safety of students while advising them to stay alert and desist from spreading unverified information.
The development also comes barely two weeks after the Department of State Services (DSS) alerted the Nigerian Army to an alleged plot by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to launch coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States.
In a confidential letter addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, the DSS warned of “imminent attacks” by ISWAP terrorists and urged heightened surveillance and security deployment across vulnerable areas.
The letter, signed by one H. I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security, was titled “Imminent Attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP.”
According to the document, the targeted communities in Ondo State include Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area.
“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon,” the letter read in part.
Students of the Ondo State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), have protested the upward review of their tuition by the institution’s management.
It was learnt over the weekend that the university increased the school fees, particularly for freshers (newly admitted students), ahead of the 2025/2026 academic session.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) expressed displeasure over the hike, describing it as “sudden and inconsiderate.”
The statement, jointly signed by the SUG President, Salami Akeem, General Secretary, Bakare Jamiu Abiodun, and Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mosadoluwa Ajidaba, said the increment has thrown many students especially those who are self-sponsored – into “fear and dismay.”
“It is pertinent to inform the student populace that we are not unconscious of the increment in school fees, which has left many in fear and dismay, especially those who sponsor themselves.
“While we understand that not all of us are born with silver spoons, rigorous efforts and consultations are ongoing to seek a reduction in the highly increased fee.
“Students, especially the newly admitted ones, are strongly advised not to make any payment or proceed with registration until our engagements with management yield positive results,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the university management has announced that academic activities for the 2025/2026 session will commence on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
In a separate statement signed by the Registrar, Mr. Olugbenga Arajulu, the institution directed all fresh and returning students to resume as scheduled, noting that registration and lectures will follow a phased calendar.
According to the statement, online screening and registration for fresh students – as well as registration for returning students – will take place between November 9 and 15, while physical resumption and faculty-based course exposition are slated for November 16 to 22.
It added that lectures are expected to begin on November 23, 2025.
The action, which commenced last Thursday, followed a Congress meeting of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), after which the union formally notified the institution’s management of its decision.
The strike has since crippled academic and social activities on campus, leaving students expressing mixed concerns over the development.
In a letter signed by ASUU-AAUA Chairperson, Boluwaji Oshodi, and Secretary, Olusegun Taiwo, the lecturers stated that they would not return to work until all outstanding salaries and arrears were fully paid.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has assured that it is already taking steps to engage the striking lecturers in order to resolve the crisis.
“We write on behalf of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko Branch, to notify you of the withdrawal of services to the University by members of our Union.
“This is in line with the resolution taken at the Congress of Thursday, August 21, 2025, over the non-payment of our salaries and arrears.
“Sir, by this memo, our members have been directed to withdraw their services from all academic activities in the University until all our outstanding salaries and arrears are paid,” a copy of the letter addressed to the school authority and obtained by the Nation read.
Confirming the letter, Comrade Oshodi told our reporter that the protesting lecturers have written a series of letters to both the university and state government to demand the payment of their salaries and arreas.
He said the lecturers decided to embark on a ‘total strike’ action to press home for their demands, vowing that they are noting looking back until they get paid for their service in the state’s owned university.
“We have written a series of letters to the management. We also wrote several letters to the state government. Before now, we have given a series of warnings, and we have done virtually everything possible to ensure our salaries and arrears are paid.
“But to be sincere, the major problem we are facing is funding. The state government is not funding the university. As I speak now. We are being owed two months’ salaries (July and August).
“This is aside several arrears, promotion arrears, essense workload among others running into billions. The state government is not forthcoming. So, we have made up our minds until everything is addressed, we’re not going back,” he said.
Efforts to get the university’s spokesman, Mr. Victor Akinpelumi, for comments were unsuccessful as calls to his line were not answered, while a text message sent to him was undelivered.
However, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun dismissed the claim that the government had abandoned the institution.
He explained that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration has continued to release monthly subventions to all state-owned tertiary institutions, including AAUA, without delay.
Ajibefun assured that steps were already being taken to engage the striking lecturers with a view to resolving the crisis.
Students generally are industrious and hardworking. They have an insatiable thirst to try their hands on many things at the same time, a testament to their innovative and creative bent. Nevertheless, it is not surprising to see many of them at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko(AAUA) Ondo State, involved one trade or another and still show up in class for lectures. In this report ENIOLA AKINWUMI-NIYI(AAUA) finds out how they cope with the rigours of academics and still manage to ‘hustle’ on the side.
In today’s fast-paced academic environment, students are not just focused on grades and degrees, many students are also turning into business owners, using creativity and hustle to carve out their own financial path.In Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko(AAUA) Ondo State, a growing number of students fall under this category, managing academics with businesses from baking to fashion designing to hairdressing and others while trying to juggle projects, assignments, tests.The student entrepreneurs are rewriting what it means to be students today.
The world of academics and business
For Adeniran Sunmisola a 200-Level Mass Communication student, it is a difficult task combining academics with business.Nevertheless,she keeps both afloat as she runs a thriving fashion brand on campus.
“Honestly juggling academic responsibilities with business isn’t the easiest because I am not just a student, I am also the class governor of over 300 students, so you can imagine how much work I have to do,” she said.
Sunmisola who is a proud owner of a clothing label said she started her business before she got into school,so she had to continue to avoid losing the skill.
She stated that her brand isn’t just business to her, it’s her passion and dream, adding that not even school could stop her from pursuing it .
“My business isn’t the kind where I just buy things to resell, I actually hand make my products and source material for production,” she said.
However, with the help of God, she has been able to find the time to do both and do them well.Despite the workload, she still maintains her academic performance.
Sunmisola further stated that she has been able to manage both by prioritising tasks, proper time management, late-night sleep and doing away with procrastination. Though most of the time she has to sacrifice business for school .She noted that her life revolves round school and fashion designing and hardly has time to do other things.
She said God, her parents and friends are always ready to assist her.She advised any student who wishes to start any business in school to go for it and not to wait for the perfect time because it might not come.
“There might be some trials and tribulations, discouraging days, challenges, days that you will question yourself about why you even started the business, but keep at it till it eventually gets better; consistency always wins at the end,” she added.
She expressed optimism that her brand will thrive better after graduation, with the hope that it will become a global brand.
Just like Sunmisola, another student entrepreneur Soga Ayomiposi, a 400-Level student at the Department of Literary Studies runs a fast-growing baking business.
“ My biggest challenge is the stress that comes with being a baker because all what I do is handmade.Balancing the rigours of academic life with the demands of a baking business hasn’t been smooth. There have been tough decisions sometimes choosing between class and customer orders,” she said.
Ayomiposi stated that being a baker and a student is very stressful but she tries to balance it all by not procrastinating, She further stated that there are times in which she had to sacrifice going to class for business and vice versa.
Ayomiposi advises anyone who wants to start a business while in school to start as early as possible. The beginning might not be easy but it’s worth the stress. She noted that she sees her brand in bigger places after school, she is leaving it in God’s hands knowing it’s from here to greater places.
She further acknowledges God as a big factor in her business because she couldn’t have been able to manage the two without His help.
Similarly, Boluwatife Odunayo, a 200-Level Mass Communication student said artistry isn’t just a skill for him, it’s a second language.
Boluwatife is a versatile artist. He began his creative journey in 2015, long before gaining admission into the university.
“I have been doing it for so long, and it’s something I genuinely love.Running a business while being a student is no easy feat.
“Most times, I have to sacrifice business for school and vice versa. The biggest challenge is time, I can have a job and a class scheduled at the same time and I am forced to choose,” he said.
Juggling both worlds has tested his limits more than once. Despite the ups and downs, Boluwatife acknowledged the help and support from his friends.
“God has been helping me. It has not been easy, but I also get help from friends.My parents are also really proud of my journey,” he said.
To students thinking of starting their own businesses, Boluwatife advises that they discover what they love doing and they shouldn’t neglect their academics while at it.
Looking ahead, he sees his business evolving into something far bigger than it is today.
For Olabimpe Comfort Eniola, a 300-Level student, hairstyling isn’t just a hustle, it’s a passion turned profession. She styles hair for both male and female clients.
“I didn’t learn it at first. It was a natural talent,” she said.
However, as demand for her work grew, she decided to improve her skills through upgrade classes, watching videos and tutorials online,especially on YouTube. She officially started her business in 2023, and ever since, it has grown steadily.
For her, balancing business with academics has not been easy.
“I won’t lie, it’s not easy at all. There are days I have to skip classes because the money I make from hair is very important,” she said.
The busiest days are weekends, and when she has many customers, she sometimes hires others to help and she pays them after.
Her biggest challenge is time management.
“If a customer wants to make hair by 12 pm and I have a class then, I’ll have to beg them to wait till around 3pm, most times I have to sacrifice school for business and vice versa,” she added.
Her friends and family have supported her.
“My mom is very supportive. She always advised me to rest. But my dad keeps reminding me not to get distracted and focus on my studies,” she said.
Comfort further advises other students who want to start a business, especially hairstyling.
“It’s not easy, but if you have a passion for it, go for it. Just make sure your education doesn’t suffer. Take breaks, and in everything you do, add God, because we are nothing without Him,” she added.
Looking ahead, she dreams of expanding her brand after graduation. “I see my business on a higher level, opening a shop and going to big places,” she said.
For Mary Abiodun, another student entrepreneur, her business is more than just baking cakes. She bakes, decorates, curates gift packages, and makes pastries too. She started baking in 2022, right after training. According to her, balancing baking and academics hasn’t always been easy.There were times she had to cancel orders due to stress, but with time, she found a way around it.
“I have learned to communicate with my customers and let them know when I’m free, I think I’m balancing it better these days,” she said.
She stated that there are times she had to skip classes for business and vice versa, she recalled a moment that tempted her.
“During exams, I had a really tempting order, eye-catching and profitable. I wanted to take it, but God slapped some sense into me,” she said.
She said she isn’t alone in this journey, aside from family and friends who have been very supportive, a close friend at the Public Administration Department often steps in to help her with orders on days she has classes.
Looking back, Mary wishes she had taken the business more seriously before gaining admission, while learning how to communicate with customers effectively. As for the future, she wants to own her own baking school and run a big brand with lots of employees.
Resilient, resourceful in the face of academic pressure These student entrepreneurs are not just managing businesses, they are redefining what it means to be resilient, resourceful, and forward thinking in the face of academic pressure.
From fashion, baking , art , to hairstyling, each of them shares a common pattern, from passion, persistence, and a vision beyond the lecture hall.
Their stories highlight the challenges of juggling schoolwork and entrepreneurship, but they also reveal a powerful truth:success is possible when you’re willing to make sacrifices, stay disciplined, and believe in your dreams.
As they continue to grow their brands and pursue their degrees, they serve as living proof that with faith, focus, and the right support system, students can thrive both as scholars and business owners.
A gang of three suspected kidnappers of a staff member of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Omoniyi Eleyinmi, has been nabbed.
The suspects were apprehended in the early hours ofyesterday while allegedly sharing the ransom collected from the families of Eleyinmi for his release.
The fresh development is coming barely 24 hours after the staff member of the state owned-university regained freedom following the payment of an undisclosed ransom to set him free.
In a viral video posted on social media, it was gathered that the suspects were nabbed in a thick forest in Ago Panu – a village and settlement between the Oba Akoko and Owo.
It is not immediately clear if they were nabbed by security agencies or hunters.
Olayinka Ayanlade, the spokesman for the Ondo state Police Command, could not be reached for comments when contacted by our reporter.
A text message seeking reactions over the update was yet to be delivered as of the time of filing this report.
Eleyinmi, a faculty officer in the department of education at the AAUA, was released by his captors on Sunday, nearly a week after his abduction.
A colleague of the university staff member, who pleaded anonymity, had confirmed his release via a phone.
Also, a family source who spoke in confidence, said Eleyinmi was freed after the payment of a substantial ransom.
Recall that the victim was abducted last Monday while returning to his Supare-Akoko residence from work.
He was seized by the gunmen, who had laid an ambush at his home, firing sporadically as he stepped down from a commercial motorcycle, which he rode home from the office, before whisking him away.
Sources said the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million from the family but later reduced it to N7 million after negotiations.
Move by the development, the AAUA Alumni Association – of which Eleyinmi is a member – immediately launched an appeal for donations to raise the ransom.
The association’s Global Publicity Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin, asked the members and Nigerians to donate within 24 hours to secure his release, providing a Polaris Bank account for contributions.
“Distinguished Alumni, I am sure that the majority of you must have heard the news of the kidnap of one of us, Niyi Eleyinmi, who is the Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Education, AAUA.
“Eleyinmi was kidnapped on Monday, and the kidnappers have demanded N7million. It is on this note that I want to passionately appeal to you to donate towards securing the safe release of Niyi from his captors,” he said in a statement.
Moses said he and Emmanuel stayed in Kaduna for six days, awaiting the ransom, but when it failed to come, Moses abandoned the plan and resurfaced.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun said efforts were underway to arrest Jetro, who is on the run, adding that investigations were still on.
A gang of three suspected kidnappers of a staff member of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Omoniyi Eleyinmi, has been nabbed, the Nation can report.
The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Monday while allegedly sharing the ransom collected from the families of Eleyinmi for his release.
The fresh development is coming barely 24 hours after the staff member of the state-owned university regained freedom following the payment of an undisclosed ransom to set him free.
In a viral video posted on social media, it was gathered that the suspects were nabbed inside a thick forest in Ago Panu, a village and settlement between the Oba Akoko and Owo area of the state.
It is not immediately clear if they were nabbed by security agencies or local hunters.
Olayinka Ayanlade, the spokesman for the Ondo state Police Command, could not immediately be reached for comments when contacted by our reporter.
A text message seeking reactions over the update was yet to be delivered as of the time of filing this report.
Eleyinmi, a faculty officer in the department of education at the AAUA, was released by his captors on Sunday, nearly a week after his abduction.
A colleague of the university staff, who pleaded anonymity, had confirmed his release via a phone.
Also, a family source who spoke in confidence disclosed that Eleyinmi was freed after the payment of a substantial ransom.
Recall that the victim was abducted last Monday while returning to his Supare-Akoko residence from work.
He was seized by the gunmen, who had laid an ambush at his home, firing sporadically as he stepped down from a commercial motorcycle, which he rode home from the office, before whisking him away.
Sources said the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million from the family but later reduced it to N7 million after negotiations.
Moved by the development, the AAUA Alumni Association – of which Eleyinmi is a member – immediately launched an appeal for donations to raise the ransom.
The association’s Global Publicity Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin, asked the members and Nigerians to donate within 24 hours to secure his release, providing a Polaris Bank account for contributions.
“Distinguished Alumni, I am sure that the majority of you must have heard the news of the kidnapping of one of us, Niyi Eleyinmi, who is the Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Education, AAUA.
“Eleyinmi was kidnapped on Monday, and the kidnappers have demanded a sum of seven million Naira (N7,000,000). It is on this note that I want to passionately appeal to you to donate towards securing the safe release of Niyi from his captors,” he said in a statement.
Eleyinmi, who works in the Department of Education, was released by his captors on Sunday, a development confirmed by a university colleague who thanked God for his safe return.
A family source revealed that Eleyinmi’s release followed the payment of a substantial ransom, and he was freed near a boundary town in Ondo State.
“My brother, a ransom was raised and paid to the kidnappers before they could release him to us,” the source revealed.
When contacted, the state police spokesman, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said he could not immediately confirm the release but promised to provide an update.
Ayanlade’s reaction was being awaited as at the time of filing this report.
The police have consistently maintained opposition to ransom payments in kidnap cases.
Eleyinmi was abducted last Monday while returning to his Supare-Akoko residence from work.
Sources said the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million from the family but later reduced it to N7 million after negotiations.
Move by the development, the AAUA Alumni Association of which Eleyinmi is a member immediately launched an appeal for donations to raise the ransom.
The association’s Global Publicity Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin, asked the members and Nigerians to donate within 24 hours to secure his release, providing a Polaris Bank account for contributions.
“Distinguished Alumni, I am sure that the majority of you must have heard the news of the kidnap of one of us, Niyi Eleyinmi, who is the Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Education, AAUA.
“Eleyinmi was kidnapped on Monday, and the kidnappers have demanded a sum of seven million Naira (₦7,000,000). It is on this note that I want to passionately appeal to you to donate towards securing the safe release of Niyi from his captors,” he said in a statement.
Five days after his abduction, the abductors of a staff member of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State, Omoniyi Eleyinmi, have now made contact with his family members, demanding seven million naira as ransom for his freedom.
It will be recalled that Eleyinmi, a faculty officer in the department of education at the state-owned university, was abducted on Monday night while returning to his Supare-Akoko residence from his duty post in Akungba.
He was ambushed and seized by the gunmen who fired sporadically as he stepped down from a commercial motorcycle, which he rode home from the office.
A family source, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, revealed on Friday that the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million but reduced it to N7 million after a series of negotiations.
He hinted that the kidnappers on Wednesday allowed Eleyinmi’s wife to speak with him briefly to confirm he was alive.
In a swift development, the AAUA Alumni Association – of which Eleyinmi is a member – has launched an appeal for donations to raise the ransom.
The association’s Global Publicity Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin, urged members and Nigerians to donate within 24 hours to secure his release, providing a Polaris Bank account for contributions.
The statement read in part: “Distinguished Alumni, I am sure that the majority of you must have heard the news of the kidnapping of one of us, Niyi Eleyinmi, who is the Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Education, AAUA.
“Eleyinmi was kidnapped on Monday, and the kidnappers have demanded a sum of seven million Naira (₦7,000,000). It is on this note that I want to passionately appeal to you to donate towards securing the safe release of Niyi from his captors.
“We have just 24 hours to raise the aforementioned sum. Kindly make your donation into the account below:
Polaris Bank 1011167606 Akinwande Joyce Morenikeji. May God help us as we donate.”
A staff member of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Mr. Omoniyi Eleyinmi has been reportedly abducted by gunmen at his residence in Supare-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Eleyinmi, who serves as the Faculty Officer in the Faculty of Education and member of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), was kidnapped on Monday evening shortly after returning from work.
According to a Save-Our-Soul message shared by a senior lecturer of the institution, who requested anonymity, the gunmen stormed Eleyinmi’s residence along the Akungba-Supare road around 7:00 p.m., shooting sporadically to scare away residents before abducting him.
“One of our SSANU members, Mr. Omoniyi Eleyinmi was kidnapped at his residence this evening at Supare-Akoko. He had just returned from work when the incident occurred,” the lecturer stated.
The victim’s wife, who narrowly escaped the attack, said her husband was not at home when the assailants initially arrived in commando style.
She revealed that the kidnappers were still at the premises, firing gunshots, when Eleyinmi returned, only to be seized and taken away immediately.
Spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted via phone, said he could not immediately confirm the incident but promised to get back over the development.
Ayanlade, a deputy superintendent of police, was yet to get back as of the time of going to bed with the report.
