—- Aiyedatiwa promises to address funding challenges

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The 32 first class graduates of the Ondo state owned Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, have been offered automatic employment by the state government.

Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, said this during the institution’s 14th Convocation Ceremony held over the weekend.

Prof lge announced that 32 graduates achieved First Class Honours degrees out of the 5,799 graduates, comprising 5,251 undergraduates, 526 postgraduates, and 22 diploma students.

While announcing automatic employment for the First Class graduates upon completion of their National Youth Service, he urged all graduands to exhibit the values, knowledge, and discipline instilled in them by the university

“Every convocation is a powerful reminder that learning is a lifelong journey that demands discipline, perseverance, and vision,”

“I urge our graduands to carry with pride the spirit and values of Adekunle Ajasin University wherever life leads you. Be true ambassadors of our core ideals – integrity, diligence, and service.

” Strive not only for success but for significance, and always remember that genuine leadership is measured not by titles but by the impact you make in the lives of others.”

He added that the university had made commendable progress on all fronts, particularly in research, academic expansion, staff and student welfare, sports and skills development, and partnerships for global visibility.

“When I assumed office on 7 July 2021, I did so with a heart full of hope and a clear vision to make Adekunle Ajasin University a cynosure of excellence,” Prof. Ige stated.

“Those goals were not mere words; they became the blueprint for action. Today, I am grateful to God and proud to say that, together, we have made significant strides.

“Our university has not only sustained its reputation as one of the best state universities in Nigeria but has also advanced in research, digital learning, staff development, and community service.”

While acknowledging that these successes would not have been possible without the support of the Visitor, Prof. Ige also praised the staff, students, and unions for their understanding and cooperation.

On academic integrity, Prof. Ige noted that his administration overhauled structures to strengthen academic programmes, leading to the full accreditation of all programmes and the establishment of new faculties and departments.

“We have significantly broadened our academic landscape by expanding the number of faculties from seven to ten,” he said.

“We established three new faculties: Administration and Management Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, and Computing; alongside new Departments of French, Food Science, and Library and Information Science.”

Prof. Ige praised the hard work and commitment of staff, which culminated in the listing of nine AAUA scholars in the prestigious Elsevier-Stanford Global Ranking for 2024.

“This recognition, based on rigorous criteria such as research impact and citation indices, underscores the university’s expanding influence in cutting-edge research.

” The honourees, drawn from diverse academic fields, exemplify AAUA’s enduring tradition of excellence,” he said.

He also lauded achievements in partnerships with global and domestic institutions, staff training, and timely promotions, which he said boosted morale and productivity.

Despite financial constraints, the Vice Chancellor said infrastructural development had received a boost.

“We have completed the construction of the Faculty of Science and the new Faculty of Social Sciences buildings. Furthermore, we have successfully renovated the 30-Classroom Quadrangle, Intercontinental Hall, and the Faculty of Education buildings. Our Business School in Akure has also been upgraded and furnished with modern fittings.”

He pledged to sustain this tempo, further support student welfare through scholarships and work-study schemes, and maintain a commitment to sports development.

“Despite financial constraints, we have mainstreamed sport as a platform for leadership development and character formation.

“Our students’ efforts have yielded impressive results, with medals and trophies won in nearly every competition,” he said, citing recent successes at the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) finals.

Prof. Ige, whose tenure ends in the second half of next year, told the gathering: “As I bow out as the 6th substantive Vice Chancellor of this university in a few months’ time, I do so with profound gratitude. Together, we have weathered storms, celebrated victories, and remained steadfast in upholding the noble vision of our founding fathers.”

The state governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, the Visitor congratulated the graduands and charged them to excel and be good ambassadors of the university and the state.

Aiyedatiwa who commended the institution for its vital intellectual and human development roles within the state and beyond, promised to look into the university’s funding challenges.

While commending the university management for successfully steering the institution through challenging times, he pledged to address its funding issues.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, affirmed the council’s undiminished aspiration to sustain the imposing stature and status of the institution within the global community of universities.

Abayomi said that the institution has the capacity to become Nigeria’s best citadel of knowledge and research, and among the best globally, if well-funded. To this end, he made a case for an annual subvention of ₦12 billion.

He averred that the desire to build a globally competitive institution reflects the council’s dedication to attaining the goal of a high-value university.

According to him the council has provided quality oversight and worked in close partnership with the Senate to pioneer innovative strategies, ensuring the institution’s continued growth and holistic development.

“In our undiminished aspiration to place the university on the global map, we recognise this dream demands the assistance and cooperation of all,” he said.

“We have reinvigorated our efforts, recommitting to the vision of our founding fathers. This reflects our dedication to overcoming obstacles in our pursuit of academic excellence.”

The Overall Best Graduating Student, Folake Racheal Omonitan, with a CGPA of 4.79, from the Biochemistry Department, said her success was propelled by a focus on her primary purpose for being at university and attaining her ultimate dream.