***Gov. Akeredolu Lauds Varsitys Impact
***Council Remains Steadfast to Further Accomplishments – Pro-Chancellor
***Prof. Ige Highlights Achievements, Future Plans
***Poverty Not Excuse for Academic Failure – Overall Best Graduate
In a remarkable showcase of academic excellence, Adekunle Ajasin University’s 12th Convocation Ceremony has honoured a total of 5,249 graduates, including an impressive 42 First-Class achievers. The Convocation which was held December 8th and 9th, 2023, celebrated the diverse accomplishments of students across various faculties.
The outstanding academic achievements of the graduating class were 42 graduates securing First-Class honors, while 1,088 received Second Class Upper Division degrees, 2,264 in Second Class Lower Division, and 605 in Third Class.
Faculty of Education led with 1,202 graduands, followed by Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Administration and Management Sciences, Agriculture, Law, the Institute of Part-Time, and the Institute of Education. Additionally, about 180 graduands received postgraduate degrees, with 24 achieving the prestigious Ph.D. category.
Addressing the Convocation, the Visitor to the University and Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, praised the resourcefulness and substantial contributions of AAUA to Ondo State and beyond.
Recognizing the university’s role in staff training and skilled personnel development, the Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Femi Agagu, highlighted AAUA’s integral connection to growth and development in the state and the nation.
Governor Akeredolu emphasized, “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.”
Acknowledging AAUA’s vision to be a leading institution in research, the Visitor applauded recent research endeavours by both staff and students. However, he urged 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.
The Governor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing essential support and encouragement to state-owned institutions, empowering them to fulfil their founding vision and mission statements. He expressed pride in AAUA being consistently rated the Best State University in Nigeria within the past four years.
While pledging more support, Governor Akeredolu appealed to philanthropists, stakeholders, and prosperous community members to collaborate with the government in expanding infrastructural growth within educational institutions across the state.
… Pro-Chancellor
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.”
Despite the recent challenges faced by the University, Dr. Abayomi emphasised the Institution’s resilience and determination. “Our university has demonstrated resilience and determination. We have rejuvenated our strength, steadfastly committed to advancing the vision set forth by our founding fathers,” he declared.
The Pro-Chancellor attributed the progress made by the University to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, highlighting the contributions of staff, host communities, and university leadership.
“Recognizing the synergistic collaboration among the Universitys leadership, dedicated staff, and supportive host communities, we have successfully cultivated an environment of stability, peace, and progressive growth at AAUA,” he acknowledged.
While expressing gratitude, Dr. Abayomi called upon philanthropic individuals, especially those from Akoko land, to unite with the University in providing essential infrastructure. He underscored the critical need for improved hostel accommodations, urging the community to contribute to the institution’s continuous development.
The VC…
The 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.”
Prof. 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 emphasized proactive measures to revitalize the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and the integration of advanced technological solutions to enhance University operations.
He said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, 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. These structures have been diligently reinforced annually to produce this years graduands. 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 developmental trajectory, but also with entrepreneurial competencies essential in an economy fostering private enterprise.
In our commitment to internationalisation and benchmarking operations with global best practices, the University continues to foster partnerships and networks with sister universities both locally and abroad. Worthy of mention is our Adekunle Ajasin University Business School, Akure, which stands as another significant milestone in our administrations commitment to the kind of education we envisioned, driving economic growth, fostering self-reliance among our people, and promoting all-round development in the State.
The VC affirmed the University’s focus on the future, building institutions, erecting structures, and pursuing a 21st Century University that aligns with the vision of its founding fathers.
He said, As a university and as an administration, our focus remains on the future. We are steadfast in our commitment to the vision of our founding fathers. To this end, we are deliberately building institutions, erecting structures, re-tooling and re-inventing our programmes, training and re-training our staff, and determinedly building a 21st-century university, truly deserving of its name! This is the legacy we shall continue to pursue, ensuring the good name of the university remains intact, as this is the future we bequeath to posterity.
Overall Best Graduate, Abidemi Ojo
In his Valedictory Speech, the overall best graduate, Abidemi Ojo, who graduated 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.
Ojo, who noted that he defied all odds and remained focused academically, observed, Poverty should not be an excuse for academic failure and every hardship that people undergo in life should prepare them for future success.
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.
