***As VC Highlights Five Years of Transformative Leadership
Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, has kick-started its 14th Convocation ceremony with press briefing, with Vice Chancellor Professor Olugbenga E. Ige reflecting on five years of transformative leadership and institutional progress.
The event, held at the University Senate Chamber, brought together principal officers, faculty deans, heads of departments, staff, students, and representatives of the press.
Professor Ige, who will step down as the 6th substantive Vice Chancellor in the coming months, described the convocation as a celebration of the past, present, and future. “The present finds us celebrating 5,799 graduands, the future is a world of infinite possibilities, and the past is the story of how this University prepared them for it,” he said.
The graduating cohort includes 5,251 undergraduates, 526 postgraduates, and 22 diploma recipients across faculties such as Agriculture, Arts, Education, Law, Science, Social Sciences, Management Sciences, IOE, and IPTP. Among the undergraduates, 32 earned First Class honours, while 1,444 obtained Second Class Upper degrees, highlighting the University’s sustained commitment to academic excellence.
Since assuming office on July 7, 2021, Professor Ige outlined major strides in academic integrity, curriculum improvement, and staff capacity development.
He emphasized that a sound academic foundation is critical for credibility. AAUA undertook comprehensive programme overhauls, strengthened examination and assessment processes, and invested heavily in lecturer training and student development.
Under his stewardship, the University expanded from seven to ten faculties, adding Administration and Management Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, and Computing, along with departments in French, Food Science and Technology, and Library and Information Service. These initiatives have broadened the academic landscape, giving students access to contemporary and globally relevant courses.
All academic programmes have consistently achieved full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC), while professional programmes such as Law, Accounting, Architecture, Finance, and Geology continue to meet rigorous standards, ensuring that graduates are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.
AAUA has demonstrated remarkable research capacity in recent years. Professor Ige announced that nine of the University’s scholars were ranked among the top two per cent of global scientists in the prestigious 2024 Elsevier-Stanford Global Ranking. Among them, Professor Sunday Olatunji, Dean of Computing, was recognised as Nigeria’s best Artificial Intelligence researcher for 2025.
“The global recognition of our researchers underscores AAUA’s growing influence and the high calibre of scholarship emanating from our institution,” Professor Ige said. Other scholars recognised include Professor Nurudeen Oladoja, Professor Adeleke Ashogbon, Dr Taiwo Agbede, Dr Taoreed Owolabi, Dr Abayomi Oke, Dr Andrew Falowo, Dr Oluwatobi Oyeneyin, and Dr Damilola Omoboyowa, whose work spans diverse fields and disciplines.
The University has also accelerated its Inaugural Lecture Series, increasing the number delivered from 15 to 51 lectures since 2021, fostering intellectual discourse and providing insights into pressing societal challenges.
AAUA has strengthened both local and international collaborations to enhance academic and research excellence. Partnerships with Walailak University (Thailand), the International Cultural Communications Centre (Malaysia), and Ghent University (Belgium) support staff and student exchange, joint research, and programme development. Domestically, the University engages in manpower development with the Public Staff Training Institute and maintains affiliations with several colleges of education.
Staff development remains a priority. Academic and non-academic staff participate in training programmes, workshops, and conferences, ensuring they are abreast of global best practices. Recently, a cohort of twelve academic staff completed specialised international training under the Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE), earning distinction. A total of 109 academics were promoted to professorial rank during Professor Ige’s tenure, while numerous non-academic staff also received timely promotions.
AAUA has made notable infrastructure improvements despite financial constraints affecting higher education in Nigeria. New constructions include the Faculty of Science (Glasshouse) and the Social Sciences building. Renovations were completed on the 30-Classroom Quadrangle, Intercontinental Hall, and Faculty of Education, while the Business School in Akure was upgraded with modern facilities.
A foundation-laying ceremony was recently held for an 80-capacity Hall of Residence—the first new hall since the University’s establishment. The project received contributions from staff, alumni, friends of the University, and students, symbolizing a shared commitment to AAUA’s growth.
Professor Ige highlighted the University’s holistic approach to student welfare, including scholarships, the Work-Study Scheme, and tuition fee subsidies for physically challenged students. An electronic voting system for Student Union elections promotes transparency and democratic participation.
AAUA students continue to excel in sports, winning medals at the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) finals. Notable achievements include gold in 400m athletics by Egunnu Pere, silver in table tennis and boxing, and multiple bronze medals in swimming and athletics.
The Centre for Entrepreneurship Development has been revitalized, offering training in practical skills such as leatherwork, soap and pastry production, and other manufacturing ventures. These initiatives not only strengthen internal revenue but also promote community development.
The University’s alumni continue to shape national and international development. They occupy leadership roles in law, governance, public service, and global institutions, with some achieving historic milestones. Oluwadamilola Akintewe became the first Nigerian with a wholly domestic education to join the Schwarzman Scholars programme, while others, including Ebaide Joy and Oluwaseyi Anifowose, achieved Guinness World Records.
Locally, alumni occupy significant positions in the Ondo and Ekiti State governments, demonstrating the University’s contribution to public service and governance.
Professor Ige acknowledged the media for chronicling AAUA’s achievements, amplifying successes, and promoting transparency.
The 14th Convocation week features a Research, Development and Innovation Fair, drama performances, athletic competitions, and a Convocation Lecture titled Strengthening the Academic Tradition in the Nigerian University System by Professor Idowu Olayinka, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan. The formal degree presentations will hold on Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13, 2025.
Professor Ige reflected on his tenure: “Through collective effort, we have transformed AAUA into a nationally and internationally respected institution. When a community is united by purpose, progress becomes inevitable.”
