The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Dr Tunji Abayomi, has said the university has the potential to emerge as Nigeria’s leading centre of knowledge and research—and compete globally—if it receives adequate funding.
Speaking at the institution’s 14th convocation ceremony over the weekend, Abayomi said AAUA would require at least ₦12 billion in annual subvention to realise this vision.
He noted that the Governing Council remains committed to strengthening the university’s academic standing and global relevance, stressing that the pursuit of a world-class institution reflects the council’s dedication to building a high-value university.
According to him, the council has continued to provide quality oversight while working closely with the Senate to introduce innovative ideas aimed at sustaining the university’s growth and all-round development.
“In our determination to place AAUA on the global map, we recognise that this dream requires collective effort. We have renewed our commitment to the vision of our founding fathers and remain resolute in overcoming challenges in the pursuit of academic excellence,” Abayomi said.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, said the university had recorded remarkable progress during his five-year tenure, maintaining its status as a leading centre for research and learning.
He disclosed that out of 5,799 graduating students—comprising 5,251 undergraduates, 526 postgraduates and 22 diploma students—32 earned First Class Honours degrees. He announced that the First Class graduates would be offered automatic employment after completing their National Youth Service.
Ige added that AAUA had made notable strides in research development, academic expansion, staff and student welfare, sports, skills acquisition and international partnerships.
Reflecting on his tenure, which ends in the second half of next year, the Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to the university community, noting that his administration had remained faithful to the institution’s founding ideals despite challenges.
The Visitor to the university and Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Ayedatiwa, pledged to look into AAUA’s funding challenges while commending the institution for its contribution to intellectual and human capital development.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, the governor congratulated the graduating students and urged them to be worthy ambassadors of both the university and Ondo State.
The overall best graduating student, Folake Omonitan of the Department of Biochemistry, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.79, attributed her success to discipline, focus and a clear sense of purpose throughout her academic journey.
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