Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has reaffirmed his administration commitment towards providing essential support and encouragement to the state-owned institutions.
Akeredolu who made this known during the 12th convocation ceremony of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, said empowering the state owned institutions will help to fulfil their founding vision and mission statements.
The governor who was represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Femi Agagu, expressed satisfaction with the feat recorded by the institution, saying AAUA has consistently rated the Best State University in Nigeria in the past four years.
The convocation visitor to the University commended the resourcefulness and substantial contributions of AAUA to the state and beyond.
He also recognised the university’s role in staff training and skilled personnel development, saying AAUA is an integral connection to growth and development in the state and the nation.
“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. AAUA has become intricately interwoven into the tapestry of growth and development within the state and the nation at large.”
He noted AAUA to be a leading institution in research, calling for greater efforts, stating the current era requires substantial scholarly contributions to navigate uncertain paths. He emphasized that state institutions, especially AAUA, must take the lead in this domain.
While pledging more support, Akeredolu appealed to philanthropists, stakeholders, and prosperous community members to collaborate with the government in expanding infrastructural growth within educational institutions across the state.
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, reiterated the steadfast dedication of the council members to propel Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, toward greater achievements.
He stated, “The Governing Council of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, remains unwavering in its commitment to advancing our achievements.
“Our strategic focus encompasses fostering a conducive learning environment, instilling strong character development, promoting entrepreneurial skills, and actively engaging in meaningful community service initiatives.”
The Institution’s vice chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, while congratulating the graduands on their accomplishments, said, “as you step into the world armed with the right knowledge and skills, I urge you to make significant contributions to society.
“Be ambassadors of excellence, integrity, and innovation. Stay connected with your alma mater, contribute to its growth, and inspire future generations.”
Ige reflected on the efforts of his administration to enhance the University’s standing while outlining the commitment of Management and staff to excellence through continuous staff training, the re-invention of academic programmes, and the establishment of a broad research agenda.
He highlighted ongoing collaborations with reputable foreign organizations and universities to foster internationalization and benchmarking with global best practices.
The VC assured stakeholders of the University’s dedication to excellence and its ambition to secure a prominent place on the international pedestal. He emphasised proactive measures to revitalize the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and the integration of advanced technological solutions to enhance University operations.
He said, “despite the prevailing economic challenges in the country, I am pleased to note that this years 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.
“Presently, all the Universitys academic programmes are accredited by the National Universities Commission. Moreover, the Universitys professional programmes, including Law, Accounting, Banking and Finance, and Geology, hold accreditation from their respective professional bodies.
The overall best student, Abidemi Ojo, from the Department of Linguistics and Languages with a CGPA of 4.87, expressed gratitude to God for granting him the grace to attain the feat.
He charged fellow graduands to go on to achieve greatness in their chosen path, while not only leveraging their education for personal success, but also the advancement of the society.
A total of 5,249 graduates, with 42 of the students graduated with first-class while 1,088 received Second Class Upper Division degrees, 2,264 in Second Class Lower Division, and 605 in Third Class.
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