The Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has appealed to individuals and corporate bodies to support the Adekunle Ajasin Univerisity, Akungba Akoko, in its efforts to be the best state university in the country.
Akeredolu, who is also a visitor to the university, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing essential support and encouragement to the state-owned institutions, empowering them to fulfil their founding vision and mission statements.
The governor stated this at the 12th convocation ceremony of the institution on Saturday.
Represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Femi Agagu, the governor appealed to “philanthropists, stakeholders, and prosperous community members to collaborate with the government in expanding infrastructural growth within educational institutions across the state.”
Akeredolu said he acknowledged the AAUA’s vision to be a leading institution in research. He also noted that the recent research endeavours by both staff and students of the varsity were commendable.
He said, “Adekunle Ajasin University stands as a significant contributor to staff training and the development of skilled personnel in our state and beyond. Countless civil and public sector workers, both within and outside the government, have benefitted from the rich education offered by this institution.
“The AAUA has become intricately interwoven into the tapestry of growth and development within the state and the nation at large.”
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor of the AAUA, Dr Tunji Abayomi, attributed the progress made by the university to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, highlighting the contributions of staff, host communities, and the university leadership.
“Recognising the synergistic collaboration among the university’s leadership, dedicated staff, and supportive host communities, we have successfully cultivated an environment of stability, peace, and progressive growth at AAUA,” he acknowledged.
Abayomi noted that despite the recent challenges faced by the university, it was still resilient and determined to achieve its goals, saying, “Our university has demonstrated resilience and determination. We have rejuvenated our strength, steadfastly committed to advancing the vision set forth by our founding fathers.”
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments in their respective programmes at the university, admonishing them to make significant contributions to their alma mater and society as a whole.
The VC also assured stakeholders of the university’s dedication to excellence and its ambition to secure a prominent place on the international pedestal.
“Despite the prevailing economic challenges in the country, I am pleased to note that this year’s convocation is a testament to our commitment to benchmark our university against the best and most competitive institutions globally. It is the result of a deliberate initiative to institutionalise the university and elevate its competitive edge,” the VC explained
At the ceremony, a total of 5,249 students were awarded various degrees by the institution, out of which 42 graduated with first-class honours, 1,088 finished with second-class upper division, 2,264 in the second-class lower division, and 605 finished with third class.
