12TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY; AKEREDOLU LAUDS AAU, AS INSTITUTION PRODUCES 42 FIRST CLASS GRADUATES

The Adekunle, Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, has contributed significant to the development of skilled personnel and has become intricately interwoven into the tapestry of growth and development within and outside Ondo State. 

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN CON, stated this while addressing the 12th Convocation Ceremony of the university at Akungba Akoko.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olufemi Agagu FNIVS, said Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko has played a pivotal role in grooming top-level manpower across various sectors.

The Governor who said the citadel of learning has flourished under the guidance and support of the state government, added that several recognitions of the institution as the best state-owned university in Nigeria has been a morale booster to his administration.

According to the Governor, who is also a visit to the university, the institution has undoubtedly, carved a distinct niche for itself in impacting knowledge, conducting impactful research, and significantly contributing to human development within the state and beyond.

"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 government, have benefited from the rich education offered by this institution"

The Governor reassured that despite competing demands, his administration will not waiver in its responsibility to ensure adequate funding and necessary support to elevate its tertiary institutions across the state and placing them at the pinnacle of academic pride within and beyond the country.

He however encouraged the management of the university to explore internal channels for securing alternative funding and driving infrastructural development within the institution by initiating impactful research programmes that attract patents and industry support while also tapping into the valuable backing of the esteemed alumni who have significantly excelled in their respective sectors.

"Let me seize this opportunity to extend an earnest appeal to philanthropist, stakeholders, and prosperous members of our community to collaborate with us in expanding the horizons of infrastructural growth within our education sector across the state. It is evident that sole reliance on government funding for education can be limiting"

He urged the institution to maintain its leadership position amongst state universities and guide other institutions within the state and beyond, stressing that the state government envisioned an institution that champions transparency, introduces contemporary academic programmes that align with modern societal and industrial demands, and continues to pave the way for transformative impacts on the youth.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, while expressing his heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students and their families as the university marked its 12th Convocation Ceremony, also wished them success in their future pursuits.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Govering Council of the university, Dr. Tunji Abayomi said the 12th Convocation Ceremony marked another pivotal milestone in the illustrious journey of the university, originally established in 1982 as Obafemi Awolowo University, by the government of old Ondo State before the subsequent renaming of the institution.

He said despite the challenges of recent years, including significant setbacks in academic development, the Adekunle Ajasin University, has demonstrated resilience and determination, and has steadfastly committed to advancing the vision of its founding fathers.

"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 Vice Chancellor of the university,  Professor Olugbenga Ige said  Adekunle Ajasin University is determined to pursue the dreams of the founding fathers based on the principle of delivering a university that is first-class in research, knowledge, character and service to humanity, predictated as it were on the enduring principles of learning and service.

Professor Ige added that the university, through strategic planning has expanded its faculties from five to eight, assuring that the commitment of the institution to academic integrity remained unwavering, as being reflected in it research-driven approach, innovative teaching methods, and collaborations with international institutions.

"We are confident that what the university releases to the society during this convocation ceremony are graduates equipped not only with essential skills that make them significant contributors to the nation's and world's development trajectory, but also with Entrepreneurial competencies essential in an economy fostering private enterprise"

He emphasized that the university was deliberately building institutions, erecting structures, re-tooling and re-inventing programmes, training and re-training the staff, and determinedly building a 21st-century university, truly deserving its name.

While congratulating the graduands, Prof. Ige urged them to make significant contributions to the society, be ambassadors of excellence, intergity and innovation, and also stay connected with their alma mater, contribute to its growth and inspire future generations.

A total of 5,249 graduands were sent forth into the labour market at the 12th convocation ceremony of the university; 42 graduated with First Class Honour, 1,088 bagged Second Class Honour (upper division), 2,264 graduated with Second Class Honour (lower division), while 605 demonstrated excellence in the Third Class Division.

Also, 605 Students bagged Post Graduate Degrees in various fields, while another 24 were conferred with Doctorate Degrees.

DDI

Ministry of Education 

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