Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State
Akeredolu encourages Ondo varsity stakeholders . Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, has urged individuals and corporations to help the Adekunle Ajasin institution, Akungba Akoko, in its efforts to become the best state institution in the country.
Akeredolu, who is also a visiting professor at the university, underlined the government’s commitment to giving critical support and encouragement to state-owned institutions, enabling them to fulfill their founding vision and mission objectives.
This was expressed by the governor at the institution’s 12th convocation ceremony on Saturday.
The governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Mr Femi Agagu, urged “philanthropists, stakeholders, and prosperous community members to collaborate with the government in expanding infrastructural growth within educational institutions across the state.”
Akeredolu stated that he recognized the AAUA’s objective of becoming a prominent research institution. He also praised the recent research efforts of both faculty and students at the university.
“Adekunle Ajasin University is an important contributor to staff training and the development of skilled personnel in our state and beyond,” he stated. Countless civil and public sector workers, both inside and outside the government, have benefited from this institution’s rich education.
“The AAUA has become intricately interwoven into the tapestry of growth and development within the state and the nation at large.”
In his remarks, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, Pro-Chancellor of the AAUA, attributed the institution’s progress to the joint efforts of all stakeholders, highlighting the contributions of staff, host communities, and 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 said.
Despite recent setbacks, Abayomi emphasized that the university was robust and committed to fulfill its goals, saying, “Our university has demonstrated resilience and determination.” We have regained our strength and are fiercely devoted to carrying out the vision of our forefathers.”
Prof. Olugbenga Ige, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, congratulated the graduates on their achievements in their individual programs at the university and urged them to make major contributions to their alma mater and society as a whole.
The VC further assured stakeholders of the university’s commitment to quality and its desire to achieve a prominent position on the international stage.
“Despite the country’s current economic challenges, I am pleased to note that this year’s convocation demonstrates our commitment to benchmarking our university against the best and most competitive institutions globally.” It is the consequence of a conscious effort to institutionalize the university and boost its competitiveness,” the VC added.
At the event, the university conferred various degrees to a total of 5,249 students, 42 of whom graduated with first-class honours, 1,088 with second-class upper division, 2,264 with second-class lower division, and 605 with third class.