…calls for National Policy on AI, Research Collaborations Focused on National Priorities

A university don, Prof. Sunday Olatunji, has argued that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be made a compulsory course for all students in higher institutions across Nigeria, irrespective of their field of study. He also called on Nigeria and Africa to build an intelligent, inclusive and technologically sovereign future to elevate human potential through artificial intelligence.

To achieve these goals, the Professor of Artificial Intelligence urged the nation and continent to: institutionalise capacity building for AI excellence; develop functional policy and ethical frameworks for responsible AI; build artificial intelligence literacy and workforce development; make AI a general course in all higher institutions; promote no-code AI and machine learning pathways for beginners; develop public-private-academic partnerships; and build inclusive and culturally grounded AI.

Prof. Olatunji, who is ranked by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as the Best AI Researcher in Nigeria (2025), made these statements on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, while delivering the 53rd Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, held at the University Multipurpose Hall. The lecture was titled, Symbiosis of Mind and Machine: Harnessing AI for National Development.

He stressed that artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction but a reality that permeates every stratum of human life. Just as Computer Appreciation became a national requirement decades ago, the time has come for AI Appreciation as a compulsory General Studies (GST) course. 

This course should introduce all students, regardless of discipline, to aspects of AI including: AI fundamentals, machine learning concepts, applications of AI in their respective fields, ethical implications of AI, and its role in national development, among others, he said.

The lecturer called on governments to establish AI innovation hubs in all tertiary institutions and research centres; promote cross-disciplinary collaboration integrating computing; provide national research grants focused on AI solutions for local challenges; and recruit and train faculty specialised in AI, machine learning, data science, robotics, and computational intelligence.

Prof. Olatunji allayed fears that AI could replace humans or end humanity, positing that, Many fear that the rise of artificial intelligence signals the decline of human relevance – that the machine might replace the mind. But history teaches otherwise. Every technological revolution  –  from the printing press to electricity, from the internet to AI  has not diminished humanity but rather redefined it. 

Today, AI diagnoses diseases, predicts the weather, translates languages, and protects nations. It writes, learns, reasons, and sometimes surprises us with creativity we did not expect. Yet, its true power does not lie in replacing human intelligence but in amplifying it  extending what our minds can imagine, decide, and accomplish.

AI in governance and in the workplace is not about replacing human leaders but augmenting institutional intelligence. It offers tools to reduce corruption through transparency, to improve welfare delivery through predictive targeting, and to enhance policy design through data-driven insight.

He added, The true measure of progress is not how much work we transfer to machines, but how much meaning we preserve in what remains uniquely human: judgement, ethics, empathy, creativity, and purpose. AI is defining our time. We must move from anxiety to agency  no longer fearing AIs rise but learning to guide it  and move from spectatorship to symbiosis by no longer watching innovations happen elsewhere but co-creating them as partners in progress.

He also stated, To ensure safe, equitable, and culturally aligned AI deployment, there is a need to develop a comprehensive national AI policy and strategy, establish national and institutional AI ethics committees, create policies for AI accountability, transparency, data protection, and fairness, and align governance with global best practices while respecting African values and contexts.

The multi-award-winning researcher, who is also the Dean of Computing at AAUA, further stated that it is possible to develop AI in Nigerias local languages to reflect national identity and promote equitable development. 

He added that we should prioritise rural empowerment and digital inclusion, prevent algorithmic bias, regional inequality, and the exclusion of minority groups, and ensure that AI systems respect cultural values, social norms, and indigenous knowledge systems.

Prof. Olatunji, who has had extensive teaching and research stints in several countries including Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Nigeria, stressed the need to strengthen collaborations among universities, industry, government, ICT parastatals, and international bodies. 

He added that there should be promotion of industry-funded AI research aligned with national priorities, support for AI start-ups and incubators, and facilitation of commercialisation pathways for academic research outcomes, to accelerate innovation and ensure real-world impact.

Speaking further, he said, To position Nigeria and Africa as global contributors rather than perpetual consumers, we must develop indigenous AI technologies tailored to local datasets and realities; establish national data repositories, open-source platforms, and sovereign cloud infrastructure. We must also create incentives for patents, start-ups, AI products, and intellectual property from African innovators; as well as foster continental collaborations under the AU, ECOWAS, and African AI consortia.

Introducing the lecturer, the Chairman of the event and Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Professor Olugbenga Ige, said the institution is proud to have an academic of Prof. Olatunjis standing on its staff. He described the lecturer as a widely acclaimed researcher who is much sought after across the globe.

He listed the many awards and accolades Prof. Olatunji has garnered from far and wide and commended his role in setting up the Faculty of Computing and for doing a yeomans job as its founding Dean. 

The Vice Chancellor also noted that Prof. Olatunji is a well-respected and accomplished academic and researcher who has carved an enviable niche for himself in the digital world of computing and artificial intelligence.

All is now set for Professor  Sunday Olusanya Olatunji (Aadam), a renowned scholar in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, to deliver the institution’s 53rd inaugural lecture.

The lecture, titled “Symbiosis of Mind and Machine: Harnessing AI for National Development,” will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the University Multipurpose Hall. The event is scheduled to commence at 2 pm, with guests expected to be seated by 1.30 pm.

Prof.  Olatunji of the Department of Computing will deliver the lecture under the chairmanship of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola. The Vice Chancellor, Prof.  Olugbenga Ige, will preside.

A distinguished academic and researcher who has carved an enviable niche in computing and artificial intelligence, Prof. Olatunji began his academic journey in 1998 with a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the former Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti. He obtained an M.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Ibadan in 2002, a second master’s in Information and Computer Science from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, in 2008, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in 2012.

He commenced his academic career as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Computer Science at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, in 2001. Rising through the ranks after a distinguished scholarly career abroad, he was appointed to a professorship in 2024.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Prof.  Olatunji has held several key administrative positions, including serving as the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Computing. His expertise spans a wide range of digital fields: artificial intelligence and its applications, machine learning, data mining, forensic science and biometrics, bioinformatics and computational biology, pattern recognition, expert systems, hybrid intelligent systems, software engineering, and data science and analytics.

He is a member of numerous professional bodies, including the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and the International Association of Engineers (IAENG).

Prof. Olatunji’s prolific research output includes 5 authored books and 107 journal papers. He has presented papers at conferences across the globe, including in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, Egypt, Malaysia, Cyprus, Japan, and China. He also serves as an Academic Editor for the International Journal of Intelligent Information Processing (IJIIP) and an Associate Editor for journals such as the International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE).

His scholarly excellence has been recognised with 43 awards and honours. Notably, he was ranked as Nigeria’s No. 1 Artificial Intelligence Researcher in 2025 by the Nigeria University Commission (NUC) and has been consistently listed among the Top 2% of World Scientists by Elsevier and Stanford University for five consecutive years (2021–2025).

He is also a multiple recipient of Research Excellence Awards from the College of Computer Science and Information Technology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, for highest citations and top-tier publications.

…describes New Year Eve incident as barbaric, urges security agencies to remain resolute

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry in Ondo State, High Chief Olayato Aribo, has condemned the attack on the Ipele town in Owo Local Government area of the state.

In a statement personally signed and released to newsmen from his country home, Imoru in Ose Local Government area, High Chief Aribo, popularly known as Oyato, decried the incident which occurred on New Year Eve by yet to be identified gunmen but led to the destruction of the Divisional Police Station in the town.

He said though the perpetrators of the heinous attack may not have been  identified, assured that the swift response of the State Government would pay off soonest.

While commiserating with officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, High Chief Aribo enjoined them to remain undaunted as residents of Ipele and Ondo State at large are in solidarity with all security agencies in the state.

“I use this medium to register my deep commiseration with the good people of Ipele in Owo Kingdom and the Nigeria Police Force over the attack on the Divisional Police Station by yet to be  unknown gunmen.

” I also salute our security agents for their prompt responses to salvage the situation”, he said.

The former commissioner used the opportunity to pray for the safety and better life for citizens of the state in the new year.

•••donates to Children’s’ Home, widows

Members of the Liberal Platform on Saturday mobilised across the streets of Akure, the capital of Ondo State, to highlight the importance of environmental cleanliness and proper sanitation as part of their end-of-year outreach initiative.

The exercise, spearheaded by the President of the Liberal Platform, Hon. Demola Ijabiyi, spanned from Akure City Hall to Texaco along Oba Adesida Road, where members swept streets, removed refuse, and cleared dirt from public spaces.

Speaking during the exercise, Hon. Ijabiyi said the initiative aimed to lead by example and change public attitudes towards waste management.

 “This is one of the activities of our end-of-year programme. We came out to demonstrate to residents the importance of environmental cleanliness and sanitation,” he said.

According to him, the presence of prominent individuals participating in street cleaning was deliberate. 

“When people see individuals like us sweeping, they will imbibe such acts. Many people were watching us and must have been surprised. If people like us can sweep, then others will have no excuse,” Ijabiyi stated.

He described Nigerians’ attitude to waste management as poor. “It’s terrible. We are not conscious of cleanliness. Look at traders selling their wares in the middle of filth. There is no reason for refuse to be everywhere if we are truly conscious of sanitation,” he said.

Ijabiyi added that the exercise was also a message to the government.

 “Government has a lot to do. Our people generate a lot of refuse, and coverage is not enough. Places should already be clean. This is about our health,” he stressed.

The Chairman of the Liberal Platform Governing Board, Omosua Olufemi-Mayor, said the sanitation exercise reflected the platform’s belief in service and responsibility. 

“As conceived by our life president, this idea is about togetherness and rendering service. Hillary Clinton once said that service is the rent we pay for living, and this is one of such services,” he said.

He noted that the action was meant to inspire citizens regardless of status. “No matter how highly placed you are, commissioners, governors or other leaders, you still have a responsibility to take care of your environment,” he added.

Speaking on donations to Ondo State Children’s Home, Oba-Ile, Akure, and to some widows, the Chairman of the 2025 Planning Committee for the Liberal Platform End-of-Year Outreach, Olumide Abudu, a seasoned journalist, said the sanitation exercise was part of a broader humanitarian programme. 

“After this, we are going to the motherless babies’ home at Oba-Ile to donate. This has been our tradition. Liberal Platform is known for charity and reaching out to the needy,” Abudu said.

He disclosed that items donated included bags of rice, cartons of Indomie noodles, yams, beverages, and cash support. 

In addition, four widows were also reached out to, with each receiving ₦25,000, an intervention sponsored by a member of the platform, Mr. Zadok Akintoye. 

“This is part of our commitment to lifting people and correcting imbalances in society,” he added.

The Chairman of the Ondo State Waste Management Board, Mrs. Yinka Alabi, who is also a member of the Liberal Platform, praised the initiative and called for more partnerships. “Government cannot do it alone. We have been yearning for collaboration, and we are very proud of what the Liberal Platform has done,” she said.

She urged residents to emulate the group, saying, “Health is wealth. People should prioritise cleanliness and ensure their environment is sustained and beautiful.” On public attitude towards waste disposal, she added that sensitisation efforts would continue.

 “We keep reaching out to people, especially on improper and indiscriminate dumping. We believe that over time, people will change for the better,” she said.

The group later moved to the Ondo State Children’s Home, Oba-Ile, Akure, where it donated food items such as bags of rice, cartons of Indomie noodles, tubers of yam, beverages, and cash support.

Mrs. Aboluwodi Bamiyo, who received the gift items on behalf of the management of the Children’s’ Home, appreciated the group for identifying with, and remembering the children’s home during this season, while praying for God’s blessings for members of the group.

Other members of the group in attendance included, Tunde Bibi Aladenola, Admin General; Basorun Kunle Ogunmola; Evangelist Funmi Omole, Treasurer; Jayeoba Olawale Clement (JOC Brands); Prince Shina Adeshina; and Kehinde Segun Alabi, Secretary.

A Professor of Industrial Chemistry at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Adeleke Ashogbon, has said modified starches play a significant role in the treatment and control of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and cancer, among other health benefits.

Ashogbon explained that resistant starches in modified forms undergo structural changes that make them indigestible by enzymes in the small intestine, after which they are broken down in the large intestine into short-chain fatty acids beneficial to human health.

The professor made the submission on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, while delivering the 52nd inaugural lecture of the university, titled “From Root to Revolution: The Chemistry and Innovation of Modified Starches.”

He advised the public to consume starchy foods cold, noting that hot starchy foods contain lower amounts of beneficial resistant starch. According to him, cooled starchy foods, even when reheated, retain most of the retrograded starch needed for health benefits.

Ashogbon also spoke on the dietary and industrial relevance of starch, explaining that modified starches are produced by altering the chemical structure of native starches sourced from legumes, cereals, roots, tubers and unripe fruits. He noted that these modifications increase resistant starch content and improve functional properties, making them suitable for food and industrial uses.

“Modified starches are natural starches – from wheat and potato, for example – altered by physical, chemical or enzymatic processes to enhance specific properties such as texture, stability, viscosity and resistance to heat or acid. This enables their use as versatile food additives – thickeners, stabilisers, emulsifiers – and in industrial, pharmaceutical and biomedical applications,” he said.

The professor added that although native starches are affordable, non-toxic and easily modified, they lack essential properties required for direct application in many sectors. He noted that they also contain insufficient resistant starch to deliver meaningful health benefits, making modification necessary.

On other applications, he said, “Applications of modified starches depend on many factors, including their botanical source and the specific processing conditions. Single-modified starches are used in the food industry for thickening, gelling, stabilisation, fat replacement and pre-gelatinised instant products.

“Dual chemically modified starches are widely used as emulsifiers, binders and thickeners in food, and as heavy metal absorbents in non-food industries.

“Quadruple modified starches are used in synthesising resistant starches for preventing obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, they are utilised in preparing porous starches applied as organic adsorbents in water purification and heavy metal removal.”

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, said the institution’s inaugural lecture series provides a platform for scholars to present definitive intellectual contributions to societal development.

He commended Ashogbon for his commitment to innovative research and service, describing his work as central to the university’s vision of academic excellence and societal relevance.

•  Aiyedatiwa lauds university’s intellectual impact, promises funding support
• Pro-Chancellor seeks ₦12bn annual subvention to boost global competitiveness
• VC reels out achievements, delivers valedictory address

The Visitor to Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the institution for its vital role in intellectual and human capital development within the state and beyond, pledging to address its funding challenges.

The governor gave the assurance at the university’s 14th Convocation Ceremony held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, where a total of 5,799 students graduated.

Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, the Visitor congratulated the graduands and charged them to excel in their future endeavours while remaining worthy ambassadors of the university and Ondo State.

He commended the university management for successfully steering the institution through challenging times and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the institution financially.

In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, affirmed the council’s unwavering determination to sustain and enhance the institution’s status within the global community of universities.

He stated that AAUA possesses the capacity to emerge as Nigeria’s leading citadel of knowledge and research, and one of the best globally, if adequately funded. To this end, he advocated an annual subvention of ₦12 billion.

Dr. Abayomi noted that the quest to build a globally competitive university reflects the council’s commitment to the attainment of a high-value institution. He said the council had provided quality oversight and worked closely with the Senate to introduce innovative strategies aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and holistic development.

“In our unrelenting aspiration to place the university on the global map, we recognise that this vision requires the support and cooperation of all stakeholders. We have renewed our commitment to the ideals of our founding fathers as we continue to surmount challenges in the pursuit of academic excellence,” he added.

Delivering his valedictory address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, said the university had recorded remarkable progress and sustained its reputation as a leading centre of research and learning under his five-year stewardship.

He disclosed that 32 graduates earned First Class Honours out of the 5,799 graduands, comprising 5,251 undergraduates, 526 postgraduates, and 22 diploma students.

The Vice Chancellor announced automatic employment for all First Class graduates upon the completion of their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme and urged the graduands to uphold the values, discipline, and knowledge imparted by the university.

“Every convocation is a reminder that learning is a lifelong journey that demands discipline, perseverance, and vision. Carry the spirit and values of Adekunle Ajasin University with pride wherever life takes you. Be true ambassadors of integrity, diligence, and service,” he said.

Prof. Ige highlighted achievements recorded in research, academic expansion, staff and student welfare, sports and skills development, as well as strategic partnerships that enhanced the university’s global visibility.

Reflecting on his tenure, he said his vision, upon assuming office on July 7, 2021, was to make AAUA a cynosure of excellence, a goal he said had been substantially realised through collective effort.

On academic integrity, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that all academic programmes had achieved full accreditation, while the number of faculties expanded from seven to ten with the establishment of new faculties of Administration and Management Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, and Computing, alongside new departments.

He further disclosed that nine AAUA scholars were listed in the 2024 Elsevier–Stanford Global Ranking, a recognition he said underscored the institution’s growing research influence.

Despite financial constraints, Prof. Ige said the university recorded significant infrastructural development, including the completion of new faculty buildings, renovation of lecture halls and hostels, and the upgrading of the Business School in Akure.

As his tenure draws to a close next year, the Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to the Visitor, staff, students, and unions for their support and cooperation throughout his administration.

The Overall Best Graduating Student, Folake Racheal Omonitan, of the Department of Biochemistry, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.79, attributed her success to focus and determination, urging fellow graduates to pursue their dreams with confidence and resilience.

…Prof. Olayinka lists core pillars for 21st-century-ready institutions

…warns Nigeria risks losing talent unless universities expand capacity

A former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, has highlighted the distinguishing features of 21st-century-compliant universities and outlined measures needed to deepen academic tradition in Nigerian universities.

The factors, according to him, include high-quality human resources, adequate funding, physical and digital infrastructure, innovative and visionary management, pedagogical and intellectual property frameworks, internationalisation, a stable academic calendar, a merit-based admission process, and the provision of affordable, decent hostels on and off campus.

He stated this on Thursday, December 11, 2025, while delivering the lecture for the 14th Convocation Ceremony of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. The lecture, titled Strengthening the Academic Tradition in the Nigerian University System, was held at the university’s Multipurpose Hall.

Prof. Olayinka urged both public and private institutions to increase investment in the education sector to cater for the growing population and rising demand for higher education in Nigeria. 

He warned that admission seekers would continue to pursue opportunities abroad unless Nigerian universities make deliberate efforts to expand capacity for the increasing number of qualified candidates.

According to him, “Nigeria’s population is expected to grow by approximately 130 million people by 2050, potentially reaching over 400 million and becoming the world’s third most populous nation, surpassed only by India and China. Moreover, the country has a predominantly young population, with around 43 per cent of its citizens under the age of 15 in 2025. As this large youth cohort reaches university age, the number of potential candidates will surge.”

Emphasising the need to maintain a balance between access to university education and the quality and cost of delivering it, he stressed that a university degree remains crucial for improved employment opportunities and social mobility in Nigeria.

Prof. Olayinka identified several contemporary challenges that need to be addressed to strengthen the university system. These include inadequate funding, incessant strikes by staff unions, inefficient service delivery, ageing academic staff, poor teaching and research equipment, limited staff development and low morale, rising operational costs, and a mismatch between universities’ traditional roles and the low-quality skills of graduates, which contribute to skills gaps in the economy.

Bemoaning the implications of recurrent ASUU strikes, he noted that wages earned by Nigerian academics are among the lowest in Africa, discouraging bright individuals from choosing academia as a lifelong career.

He warned, “A nation that impoverishes its teachers undermines its future. Nigeria must learn that intellectual labour cannot be chained, and scholars cannot be caged. Lecturers are global citizens who belong to a borderless world of thought, and a government that fails to honour them is, ultimately, dishonouring itself.”

The professor recommended the recruitment of adequate and qualified staff through competitive and transparent processes to improve the staff-to-student ratio. He added that staff development programmes, including participation in seminars, conferences, and workshops, must be strengthened to support career progression for young academics.

“All teaching staff should continue to be encouraged to maximise the ICT facilities in the university, especially in teaching and supervising postgraduate students. Under special arrangements, supervision of postgraduate students should be allowed for up to three years after a supervisor has retired.”

He further advised that emeritus professors and adjunct staff should be engaged more efficiently, particularly in postgraduate teaching and supervision. He emphasised the need to maintain existing teaching and research facilities and to provide adequate funding for new equipment to support teaching and research.

Prof. Olayinka also underscored the importance of an appropriate mix of early-career academics, Senior Lecturers, and Readers/Professors in departments. This, he said, would ensure systematic succession planning and smooth departmental operations.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of the event, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, described the Convocation Lecture as an opportunity to engage with transformative ideas that should spur authorities to reflect on the future of the university in a rapidly evolving society.

 He commended Prof. Olayinka for consistently upholding academic tradition, describing him as a consummate scholar and visionary administrator.

Prof. Adeleke Omodunmbi Ashogbon, a distinguished scholar in the Department of Chemistry at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), will deliver the institution’s 52nd Inaugural Lecture on Tuesday,  December 16,  2025.

This prestigious lecture series represents a pinnacle of academic achievement at the university, where professors present a definitive account of their research and its impact on society.

Prof.  Ashogbon’s lecture, titled “From Root to Revolution: The Chemistry and Innovation of Modified Starches,” will explore scientific research with significant implications for industries ranging from food science and pharmaceuticals to textiles and sustainable materials. The event will be held at the University Multipurpose Hall.

In a statement released by the Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof.  Adebisi Daramola, guests are requested to be seated by 1:30 PM, with the lecture commencing at 2:00 PM promptly. The event will be chaired by the Vice Chancellor, Prof.  Olugbenga Ige.

Prof. Ashogbon began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Lagos in 1992. He earned an M.Sc. in Chemistry from the same institution in 2000, before obtaining his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, in 2015.

He joined AAUA as an Assistant Lecturer in 2003 and rose to the rank of Professor in 2021.

During his career at the university, he has held several key administrative positions, including Head of the Department of Chemical Sciences (2023–2025), Postgraduate Coordinator, and Coordinator for the University Central Research Laboratory.

A prolific scholar, Prof. Ashogbon has contributed to a scholarly book and authored 44 articles in reputable local and international journals. He also serves as a reviewer for top-tier journals, including Food Chemistry and the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. In a landmark study published by Stanford University and Elsevier, he was ranked among the world’s top 2% of scientists.

He has presented his research at international conferences in Ghana and India, and at the American Chemical Society’s Green Chemistry Conference. His professional memberships include the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chemical Society of Nigeria. In recognition of his teaching, he was named Best Lecturer in his department by the Students’ Chemical Society of Nigeria for the 2013/2014 academic session.

* VC lauds Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to Institution

The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has disclosed that a total of 32 students will be awarded First Class Degrees during its 14th convocations slated for Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13.

Prof. Ige made this known on Monday during the pre-convocation news conference held in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Vice-Chancellor said the convocation will witness the award of Higher and Bachelors Degrees as well as Post Graduate Diplomas.

“For this 14th Convocation, a total of 5,799 students from our various Faculties and the Postgraduate School will be conferred with their degrees,” Ige announced.

According to him, 32 of the graduands achieved First Class Honours, and 1,444 earned Second Class Honours (Upper Division).

“3,177 graduands attained Second Class Honours (Lower Division), 582 graduated with Third Class Honours and 16 fell into the category of Pass,” he said.

He explained that the the graduates include 5,252 undergraduates, 526 Postgraduate, 22 Diploma.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the students that bagged first class would be offered automatic employment by the university upon completion of their National Youth Service Scheme.

“We are fully assured that the graduates we release into the society are equipped with the essential skills required to make meaningful contributions to both national and global development.

“Today, I am grateful to God and proud to report that, together, we have made significant strides in every area we targeted.

“Our University has not only sustained its reputation as one of the premier state universities in Nigeria but has also advanced notably in research, digital learning, staff development, and community service.

“We have expanded partnerships, modernised infrastructure, and maintained peace and stability on our campus, even in challenging times.

“None of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering support of His Excellency Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Governor of Ondo State and the Visitor to the University, the Governing Council, the Senate, the Management, our dedicated staff and students, our proud alumni, and our host community.” the VC stressed.

Speaking on his achievements, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university had restored academic integrity and ensuring that its programmes and all associated processes were placed on the right course.

“Not only have we sustained all our existing programmes, but we have also significantly broadened our academic landscape by expanding the number of faculties from seven to ten.

“We pursued a vigorous modernisation agenda with the establishment of three new faculties, namely, the Faculties of Administration and Management Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, and Computing, alongside the new Departments of French, Food Science and Technology and Library and Information Service,” he added

He lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Governing Council, the Senate, the management, staff and students, alumni, and host community for their support towards the development of the university.

* VC lauds Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to institution

The Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko(AAUA) has disclosed that a total of 32 students will be awarded First Class Degrees during its 14th convocations slated for Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University , Prof. Olugbenga Ige made the disclosure on Monday during the pre-convocation news conference held in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Vice-Chancellor said the convocation will witness the award of Higher and Bachelors Degrees as well as Post Graduate Diplomas.

“For this 14th Convocation, a total of 5,799 students from our various Faculties and the Postgraduate School will be conferred with their degrees,” Ige announced.

According to him, 32 of the graduands achieved First Class Honours, and 1,444 earned Second Class Honours (Upper Division).

“3,177 graduands attained Second Class Honours (Lower Division), 582 graduated with Third Class Honours and 16 fell into the category of Pass,” he said.

He explained that the the graduates include 5,252 undergraduates, 526 Postgraduate, 22 Diploma.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the students that bagged first class would be offered automatic employment by the university upon completion of their National Youth Service Scheme.

“We are fully assured that the graduates we release into the society are equipped with the essential skills required to make meaningful contributions to both national and global development.

“Today, I am grateful to God and proud to report that, together, we have made significant strides in every area we targeted.

“Our University has not only sustained its reputation as one of the premier state universities in Nigeria but has also advanced notably in research, digital learning, staff development, and community service.

“We have expanded partnerships, modernised infrastructure, and maintained peace and stability on our campus, even in challenging times.

“None of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering support of His Excellency Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Governor of Ondo State and the Visitor to the University, the Governing Council, the Senate, the Management, our dedicated staff and students, our proud alumni, and our host community.” the VC stressed.

Speaking on his achievements, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university had restored academic integrity and ensuring that its programmes and all associated processes were placed on the right course.

“Not only have we sustained all our existing programmes, but we have also significantly broadened our academic landscape by expanding the number of faculties from seven to ten.

“We pursued a vigorous modernisation agenda with the establishment of three new faculties, namely, the Faculties of Administration and Management Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, and Computing, alongside the new Departments of French, Food Science and Technology and Library and Information Service,” he added

He lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Governing Council, the Senate, the management, staff and students, alumni, and host community for their support towards the development of the university.