All is now set for the presentation of the 35th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, by a seasoned professor of English Language and Applied English Linguistics, Uriel Okunrinmeta.

A statement by the Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, announced that the 35th Inaugural Lecture will be held on Tuesday, 25 February 2025.

The lecture, titled “Let’s Use What’s OURS to Solve OUR OWN Problems: Adopting an Endocentric English Model in Schools,” will commence at 2:00 PM in the University Multipurpose Hall, while guests are expected to be seated by 1:30 PM. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the lecture.

Prof. Okunrinmeta earned a B.Ed. (Hons.) in Education and English from the then Ondo State University, Ado Ekiti, in 1992. He obtained a Master of Arts in English (Language) from the University of Lagos in 1997 and was awarded a PhD in English (Language) from the same institution in 2010.

He joined AAUA in 2001 as an Assistant Lecturer and was appointed Professor of English Language and Applied English Linguistics in 2017.

Prof. Okunrinmeta has held over 60 leadership roles, including serving as a dean, sub-dean, coordinator, chairman, and member of various committees and panels. He was a member of the Webometric Ranking Task Force, Head of Department, and University Orator. He is currently the Chairman of the Faculty of Arts Journal/Publication Committee, Editor-in-Chief of AMU: Akungba Journal of the Humanities, University Representative at the NUC Capacity Building Workshop on the Effective Implementation of CCMAS in Abuja, and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts.

Prof. Okunrinmeta is the author of the widely read book Spoken English for Nigerian Students. He has contributed chapters to 18 books, edited two books, and published over 30 articles in recognised international journals. He has also supervised 11 postgraduate students, including two PhD graduates. Additionally, he has participated in several local and international conferences in countries such as the United States, India, Turkey, and the Philippines.

As an External Examiner, Prof. Okunrinmeta has worked with several higher institutions, including Obafemi Awolowo University (Ile-Ife), the University of Ilorin, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (Ikere Ekiti), Ekiti State University (Ado Ekiti), and Afe Babalola University (Ado Ekiti).

His professional affiliations include membership in the English Scholars’ Association of Nigeria, the International Association for World Englishes, and the Nigerian Academy of Letters.

Prof. Okunrinmeta is also a recipient of the TETFund Research Projects (RP) Intervention, awarded in 2016.

A distinguished scholar of African and Caribbean Drama and Theatre, Prof. Omotayo Oloruntoba-Oju, has underscored the influential role of literature and theatre in promoting justice and morality. She also called for their integration into educational curricula, with special consideration for establishing community theatre programmes in universities to enhance communal engagement and social development.

She made this assertion on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, while delivering the 34th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), titled What Literature Told Me, What the Theatre Taught Me: Performance and Resistance Across Time and Space.

Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju emphasised the need for government intervention in integrating drama into school curricula at all levels, including tertiary institutions.

According to her, “The government should take steps to integrate drama into the curricula of schools and institutions of learning. As my work on integrating drama with the medical training curriculum has shown, the concept works well not only with the humanities but also with the sciences.”

She further recommended, “The National Universities Commission (NUC) should facilitate this integration, ensuring that drama serves as a pedagogical tool for structured enactments and enhanced communication skills. The communal orientation of drama can be harnessed through the establishment of community theatre programmes in universities,” stressing the mobilising potential of theatre in shaping progressive societies.

Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju asserted that literature and theatre have always been catalysts for resistance and transformation, saying, “Literature and theatre have taught me indelible lessons about life and what makes it universally worth living. Chief among these is the promotion of justice, morality, and resistance to evil and injustice. Indeed, resistance to evil is, and has always been, a canon of literature and performance.”

She traced the continuities of African performance traditions from ancient masquerade performances like Egungun and Alarinjo to the works of the legendary Nigerian dramatist Hubert Ogunde. She noted how Ogunde fully immersed himself in the tradition of popular arts, music, and chants, creating a body of work that seamlessly blended drama with mobilisational songs. Many of these songs, she observed, became so widely accepted that people often forgot their origins in theatre.

Citing plays such as Yoruba Ronu and Otito Koro, she recounted how Ogunde’s songs carried powerful messages of resistance, leading to colonial and post-colonial bans on his productions.

Referencing historical perspectives, the inaugural lecturer recalled the philosophical debates on the purpose of literature, citing Plato’s scepticism and Aristotle’s defence of literature as a means of moral and aesthetic pleasure. She further explained that literature’s core functions are to educate, inform, and elevate consciousness, ultimately shaping a society where justice and equity prevail.

Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju, who described theatre as “the most communal of all arts,” emphasised its mobilising potential and continuity across time and space. She noted that theatre has historically served as a bridge between generations, preserving cultural identities and resistance movements.

“Revolutionary theatre in Nigeria exploits indigenous aesthetic traditions to drive social change,” she stated, highlighting the works of renowned playwrights like Wole Soyinka and Femi Osofisan, whose plays incorporate traditional African performance techniques to promote revolutionary ideals.

She also discussed the concept of Nigerian revolutionary musical dramaturgy, stressing the power of songs in resistance theatre. She cited Femi Osofisan’s works as prime examples, noting that such music-laden performances not only entertain but also stir audiences towards social consciousness and action.

Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju, who was the pioneer Head of the Department of Performing Arts at AAUA, recommended the establishment of an autonomous Institute of African Studies (IAS) to further strengthen interdisciplinary studies, decolonial knowledge production, and collaborations—both within the university and with other institutions across Nigeria and beyond, including the University of Oxford’s African Studies Institute.

She also called for the establishment of annual command performances as a means of strengthening the university’s engagement with the government while creating a centre for artist training to feed into national cultural establishments such as Nollywood and the National Theatre.

In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, praised Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju as an exceptional scholar, a prolific researcher, and a mentor to many.

“We recognise her remarkable contributions to academia, particularly in the fields of literature and theatre. Throughout her illustrious career, she has made tremendous contributions to scholarship and has remained dedicated to mentoring the next generation of academics,” he said.

Prof. Ige also highlighted her impressive academic achievements, which include several books, edited volumes, a monograph, and over 40 scholarly articles, all of which have significantly advanced knowledge in her field.

A distinguished professor of African and Caribbean Drama and Theatre, Omotayo Oloruntoba-Oju, is set to deliver the 34th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.

The lecture, titled “What Literature Told Me, What the Theatre Taught Me: Performance and Resistance Across Time and Space,” is scheduled for Tuesday, 11 February 2025.

According to a statement by the Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event. The lecture will take place at the University Multipurpose Hall, commencing at 2:00 p.m., with guests encouraged to be seated by 1:30 p.m.

Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Performing Arts from the University of Ilorin in 1985, followed by a Master’s degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1987 and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Literature in English from the University of Ilorin in 1997.

She joined the university on Sunday, 26 February 2006, as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English Studies and rose through the ranks, attaining the esteemed position of Professor in 2015.

Beyond her primary roles in teaching and research, Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju has served the university in various capacities, including Acting Head of the Department of English Studies, Pioneer Acting Director of Ajasin Varsity Theatre (AVT), and the Pioneer Head of the Department of Performing Arts.

She has also served as Artistic Director for five Convocation Plays, two Command Performances, and approximately 20 AVT and departmental project plays. Additionally, she composed the lyrics of the AAUA Anthem and facilitated the creation of the AAUA flag.

Prof. Oloruntoba-Oju’s academic contributions include co-authoring eight books, publishing one monograph, editing one book, and publishing over 30 articles in peer-reviewed journals. She has attended several local and international conferences, including in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Switzerland.

She is a recipient of numerous fellowships, awards, and honours, including the Edinburgh Catalyst Fellowship at the University of Edinburgh, UK (2018–present), a Commendation by the Senate of AAUA in 2013, and a distinguished award by the AAUA Management in 2024.

Her professional affiliations include the Caribbean Studies Association, the Association for the Study of the Worldwide African Diaspora, the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists, the Association of Nigerian Authors, and the Lagos Studies Association.

A renowned parasitologist, Prof. Olusegun Akanbi, has affirmed that herbal medicine remains one of the most promising solutions for malaria treatment, given the parasite’s growing resistance to conventional drugs.

Prof. Akanbi made this declaration on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, while delivering the 33rd Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Nigeria, titled “Small but Mighty to Pull Down the Mightier: The Menace of Malaria Parasite.”

Prof. Akanbi noted the persistent struggle between mankind and malaria parasites, stressing the significant role medicinal plants could play in overcoming the disease.

“Without prejudice to my religious beliefs as a pastor, I believe that going back to nature for lasting solutions should not be seen as a problem. Nigeria is blessed with natural resources capable of providing a permanent solution to malaria, but scientific validation is key,” he asserted.

The parasitologist explained that while modern medicine has made significant strides, the increasing resistance of malaria parasites to orthodox drugs necessitates a shift in focus towards traditional remedies.

Prof. Akanbi stressed the complexity of malaria transmission, stating that the parasite, especially Plasmodium falciparum, has consistently adapted to counter human efforts to eradicate it.

“You would agree with me that there is an unseen warfare between man and malaria parasites, which has been ongoing since man’s history on earth. Despite various technological advancements, this warfare remains unending due to the adaptive mechanisms of the parasite,” he said.

His studies on Anogeissus leiocarpus (Igi Ayin) and Terminalia avicennioides (Udi) demonstrated their potency against malaria.

“The methanolic crude extract of A. leiocarpus at 200 mg/kg body weight showed greater antiplasmodial activity than artesunate, a WHO-recommended drug,” he disclosed.

The professor also noted the efficacy of combining different medicinal plants, akin to Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACTs).

“Our study revealed that combining A. leiocarpus and T. avicennioides extracts resulted in higher parasite clearance compared to Artemether-Lumefantrine,” he stated.

However, he cautioned against excessive reliance on medicinal plants without scientific scrutiny, saying,

“While herbal medicine holds promise, we must also consider its effects on vital organs like the liver and kidneys,” citing his study that showed increased liver enzyme levels in experimental animals treated with certain plant extracts.

He lamented that while vaccines have provided long-term solutions for many pathogenic diseases, malaria vaccines have not achieved the desired success.

“The only vaccine developed so far is RTS’S, which emerged after hundreds of years of battle against this microscopic organism. However, we cannot confidently predict its long-term effectiveness due to the parasite’s ability to develop resistance,” he warned.

The parasitologist decried the high cost of potent antimalarial drugs, making them inaccessible to many people in malaria-endemic areas. He also expressed concerns about the unregulated use of medicinal plants.

“The majority of people in endemic areas have resorted to using medicinal plants, but the problem is that there is no prescribed dosage. Everyone takes it as they deem fit until symptoms disappear, which is very dangerous,” he cautioned.

Addressing the challenges, the Inaugural Lecturer recommended that the government and healthcare facilities intensify efforts to educate the public on malaria prevention and control, while routine malaria parasite and haemoglobin checks should be mandatory during antenatal and postnatal clinics.

He added that the government should cover the cost of kidney and liver function tests during antenatal visits, potent antimalarial drugs for children under six years and pregnant women should be provided free of charge in specialised government hospitals, and more funding should be allocated to research for the development of potent antimalarial drugs.

In his opening address, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, lauded Prof. Akanbi’s contributions to academia and his dedication to research.

“I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to Professor Olusegun Akanbi for his untiring commitment to academia, his outstanding contributions to research and scholarship, and his enduring legacy at Adekunle Ajasin University,” Prof. Ige noted.

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has congratulated the management of Mufutau Lanihun College of Education, Ibadan, on securing approval for 13 full-time programmes from the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The college, which is affiliated with Adekunle Ajasin University, achieved this milestone ahead of the 2024/2025 academic session.

Professor Ige expressed his commendation during the matriculation ceremony for the newly admitted students of the 2025/2026 academic session, held on Saturday, 11 January 2025, at the college premises.

The VC remarked: “Today’s event, marking the sixth matriculation ceremony in the history of this institution, signifies the beginning of a transformative journey for each of you. This journey will be filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and self-discovery. Moreover, it is a time of significant progress for the college. I am delighted to announce the approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the college to commence 13 full-time programmes from the 2024/2025 academic session.”

He continued: “This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the college’s dedication and adherence to the memorandum of understanding governing its affiliation with our university. While I express my gratitude to the Acting Executive Secretary of the NUC, I also congratulate the College Provost, Professor Abiodun Gbolagade, the management team, and other stakeholders for their relentless commitment to the development of this institution.”

Prof. Ige also congratulated the matriculating students on their admission and emphasized the importance of integrity and discipline. He urged them to avoid misconduct, including examination malpractice, cultism, sexual harassment, indecent dressing, and other vices.

He advised: “Uphold the values of integrity, respect, and ethical conduct. These principles will guide your actions and help you contribute to a united and inclusive academic community.”

The VC encouraged students to take full advantage of the resources, facilities, and support systems available to them. He assured them that both Adekunle Ajasin University and Mufutau Lanihun College of Education are committed to their success, providing the necessary tools for an enriching and fulfilling educational experience.

A Professor of Parasitology at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Olusegun Matthew Akanbi, is set to deliver the institution’s 33rd Inaugural Lecture.

In a statement by the Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, it was confirmed that the lecture will hold on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Titled “Small but Mighty to Pull Down the Mightier: The Menace of Malaria Parasite,” the lecture will commence at 2:00 PM in the University Multipurpose Hall, with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 PM. 

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event.

Prof. Akanbi obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology (Parasitology) from the University of Calabar in 1994. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Cellular Parasitology from the University of Ibadan in 1997 and a PhD in Parasitology from the same institution in 2007.

He has attended several certificate courses, including Ethical Issues in International Health Research at the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA (2007), and the Advanced Course in Novel Vaccination Strategies at the Scuola Superiore d’Immunologia, Italy (2013).

Prof. Akanbi joined the services of Adekunle Ajasin University as an Assistant Lecturer in January 2004. He rose through the ranks to become a Professor in October 2018.

Over the years, Prof. Akanbi has held more than 20 leadership roles, including Acting Head of Department, Acting Director, and Sub-Dean. He has also served as the Acting Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and the Centre for Diploma and Pre-Degree Studies. Currently, he is the Dean of Student Affairs and the University Chaplain.

A sought-after speaker and active participant in several national and international conferences and workshops, Prof. Akanbi is a member of professional bodies such as the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria and the British Society for Parasitology.

The inaugural lecturer has published 32 research papers in nationally and internationally rated journals. These works have been widely cited and referenced. He has also received numerous awards, including the Best Dean of the Year Award in 2024.

Prof. Akanbi has secured various grants, scholarships, and prizes, including the IOCD Travel Fellowship (European Union), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Travel Fellowship (UK), the Harvard School of Public Health Scholarship (USA), the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Travel Scholarship (London), the Multilateral Initiative for Malaria Travel Fellowship (Kenya), and the TETFund National Research Fund Grant.

A renowned professor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Bolanle Ogungbamila, has championed the integration of whistleblowing and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) measures to address corruption in workplaces.

Delivering the University’s 32nd Inaugural Lecture, titled “My Lord, I Am Corrupt for a Just Cause”, held on January 14, 2025, Prof. Ogungbamila emphasised the need for integrity, fairness, and transparency in organizational policies and practices.

Prof. Ogungbamila said, “Organizations must make integrity, fairness, and transparency the foundation of their policies and processes. Using modern ICT tools for regular and thorough auditing should extend beyond financial matters to encompass all workplace operations and decisions.”

He described workplace corruption as the misuse of office, power, and privileges for personal gain and stressed the importance of reliable checks and balances to curb such behavior.

Tackling corruption with communication and justice, the scholar recommended creating specialised units within Human Resource departments to address diversity, inclusion, and justice concerns. He underscored the significance of clear communication paths.

He advised, “Information about workplace corruption and anti-corruption efforts should flow efficiently through lateral, horizontal, upward, and downward channels. This ensures employees align their moral obligations with the organization’s ethical standards.”

Highlighting the role of rewards and punishments, Prof. Ogungbamila called for consistent feedback loops and ethical frameworks that recognise and reward integrity while deterring unethical behaviour.

He said, “Organizations should instill punishment anxiety among employees by implementing consistent, fair, and prompt systems for addressing misconduct. Employees also need moral role models and an environment that nurtures their ethical competencies. Employees should be encouraged and be provided with a conducive atmosphere that promotes moral competencies and the needed opportunities to mirror the thoughts and actions of physical and virtual moral role models.

“Without waiting for the prompt and agitations of employees, organizations should emplace structures and mechanisms that constantly and periodically evaluate and improve the reward and punishment systems as well as the ethical training programmes, which reflect and are responsive to changing ethical demands in the workplace and the society.”

Encouraging whistleblowing with caution, Prof. Ogungbamila advocated whistleblowing as a critical tool against corruption but warned against its potential misuse.

“While incentivising whistleblowing, organizations must tread carefully to avoid a cobra effect -where employees report false claims solely for financial rewards. Whistleblowers must feel protected against retaliation, and Nigeria urgently needs robust laws to safeguard them and their families”, he said.

He further stressed the importance of simplifying whistleblowing processes and providing practical training for employees to enhance their capacity to report unethical behaviour.

The Inaugural Lecturer suggested that media reports on workplace corruption should emphasize the societal impact of diverted or misappropriated funds, saying, “Such reports should focus on how stolen resources could have enhanced the organization and the community’s well-being. Highlighting the negative economic and psychological consequences of corruption will foster a deeper understanding of its harm.”

He noted that organizations must promote, monitor, and enforce the cultures of accountability, transparency, fairness, trust, confidentiality, shared responsibility, and openness in communication and processes that promptly, consistently, and constantly recognise and reward employees for integrity and honesty.

He added, “Organizations should award Work Integrity and Accountability Fellowship (WIAF) to employees who display high levels of personal integrity and accountability. WIAF will further promote and build the capacity of the Fellows as anti-corruption, integrity, and accountability change agents in the workplace. Individually and collectively, the increasing number of the WIA fellows will increase anti-corruption activism and encourage whistleblowing.”

In his opening address, the Vice Chancellor and Chairman on the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, lauded Prof. Ogungbamila’s contributions to academia and his dedication to research.

Prof. Ige noted, “Prof. Ogungbamila is a scholar of remarkable repute, with over 40 international journal publications and co-authorship in several books. This lecture challenges us to rethink conventional narratives and inspires us to adopt innovative solutions to societal issues.”

All is now set for the presentation of the 32nd Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, by a distinguished professor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Bolanle Ogungbamila.

A statement by the Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, confirmed that the 32nd Inaugural Lecture will take place on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

The lecture, titled “My Lord, I Am Corrupt for a Just Cause”, will commence at 2:00 PM in the University Multipurpose Hall, with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 PM. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the lecture.

Prof. Ogungbamila earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Psychology and Industrial and Organisational Psychology from the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan in 1997 and 2001, respectively. In 2011, he was awarded a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organisational Psychology from the University of Ibadan.

He joined AAUA in 2003 as an Assistant Lecturer and was promoted to Professor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology in 2018.

Prof. Ogungbamila has held over 100 leadership roles, including Dean, Director, Chairman, and member of various committees and panels. He has served as the Dean of Student Affairs, Director of the Academic Planning Unit, University Orator, Chairman of the Business Committee of Senate, Chairman of the Academic Staff Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited, and is currently a member of the University’s Governing Council.

He has contributed chapters to five books, published over 40 articles in reputable journals worldwide, and supervised seven postgraduate students, including four Ph.D. candidates. He has also participated in over 25 local and international conferences in countries such as the United Kingdom, South Africa, Benin Republic, and Ghana.

His professional affiliations include memberships in the Nigerian Association of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists (NAIOP), Employee Assistance Professional Association (EAPA), Nigerian Psychological Association (NPA), American Psychological Association (APA), International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP), International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA), Society for Conservation, Population, and Environmental Psychology (SCPEP), Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR), Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence (SSPCV), and International Council of Psychologists (ICP).

Prof. Ogungbamila is a recipient of the TETFund Institutional-Based Research Grant (2018) and the TETFund Travel Grant (2015). He also won the Adekunle Ajasin University Best Staff Award (Academic Staff Category) in 2014.

Professor Comfort Akinfolarin, a distinguished scholar in Educational Management, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, underscored the indispensable role of resource management in fostering qualitative and functional education.

Prof. Akinfolarin made this submission while delivering the 31st Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, titled “Resource Management: A Catalyst for Qualitative and Functional Education.”

Highlighting the foundational importance of resources in all aspects of life, including homes and schools, Prof. Akinfolarin stated, “Functional and qualitative education makes a nation worthy of development; hence, the availability, utilisation, and maintenance of resources are paramount.”

She emphasised education as a pivotal factor in national progress, calling for collective efforts from individuals, philanthropists, parents, religious institutions, government, non-governmental organisations, and international agencies to sustain and grow Nigeria’s educational system.

Prof. Akinfolarin proposed critical measures to improve Nigeria’s education sector, emphasising increased government funding, efficient resource utilisation, strong regulation, parental responsibility, sustainable projects, curriculum updates, and industry collaboration.

She said, “The contributions of individuals, philanthropists, parents, religious institutions, government, non-governmental organisations, and international agencies towards the growth and sustenance of functional and qualitative education in Nigeria cannot be overemphasised. The school system, as an organisation where teaching, learning, and research are carried out using all forms of education (formal, informal, and non-formal), needs to be equipped with appropriate resources to enable learners to develop foundational skills, promote social and emotional development, encourage creativity and curiosity, and build resilience.”

The don advocated stringent enforcement of laws against vices such as hooliganism, cultism, and armed robbery in academic settings, adding that families must instil discipline, honesty, and a strong work ethic in children from an early age.

She recommended: “The allocation budgeted and disbursed to education by the government should be greatly reviewed and increased. Specific-purpose grants should be made available and monitored. To avoid wastage of available resources, proper utilisation and management should begin with individuals, families, and institutions. Regulations addressing hooliganism, cult-related activities, and armed robbery, especially in our academic environments, should be adequately enforced.

“Families should lay down strong cultural foundations for their children by instilling discipline, honesty, and dignity of labour. Government should avoid white elephant projects but instead provide quality educational materials. They should complete good structures laid down before their assumption of office and avoid starting projects they cannot accomplish. Curriculum updates should be continuous. Educational institutions and the government need to collaborate with industries.”

She argued that despite the Federal Government’s initiative of entrepreneurship education in Nigerian universities three decades ago, the success of such programmes depends largely on the availability, utilisation, management, and maintenance of resources.

She added, “Resources should be shared in unbiased proportions by the government and management bodies to ensure equality, fairness, and healthy inclusive practices. In this ever-changing world of technology and the Internet, individual managers should strive to acquire more knowledge about IT.”

The professor of Educational Management lamented the alarming disparity in resource availability between public and private schools, adding “Public schools in rural areas face acute shortages, from dilapidated buildings to inadequate laboratory equipment and a lack of qualified teachers.”

Prof. Akinfolarin emphasised the strategic role of Human Resource Management (HRM) in education, describing it as a vital driver for aligning workforce capabilities with institutional goals. “HRM functions such as planning, organising, and motivating are essential for achieving functional and qualitative education,” she asserted.

Earlier, while introducing the inaugural lecturer, the Chairman of the occasion and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, noted that inaugural lectures are opportunities for professors to share their research findings and ideas for the benefit of society and to propose solutions to societal needs.

He acknowledged Prof. Akinfolarin’s resourcefulness in her field and her immense contributions to the academic community and society at large.

• 62 of 6,837 Graduands Earn First-Class Degrees, Adeunola Emerges Overall Best

• Council Open to Collaboration – Pro-Chancellor

• The World Awaits Your Contributions – VC Encourages Graduands

The Visitor to Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has praised the institution for consistently bringing global recognition to the state. He also pledged his administration’s unwavering support to sustain its impressive achievements.

Speaking at the 13th Convocation Ceremony held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated the University on its continued academic excellence.

A total of 6,837 students graduated from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions, with 62 earning First-Class Honours. Adeunola Anthonia Abe, a Linguistics and Languages graduate, emerged as the overall best, achieving a CGPA of 4.82. The graduating cohort also includes 657 postgraduate students, among whom 46 earned Ph.D. degrees.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, Hon. Adegboyega Adeyemi Adefarati, and Mr. Hamzat Ayodele Subair were conferred with honorary degrees of Doctor of Public Administration, Doctor of Political Science, and Doctor of Business Administration, respectively, in recognition of their contributions to public service and societal development.

Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted the pivotal role AAUA plays in Ondo State’s socio-economic and intellectual development. He noted that a significant portion of the state’s workforce comprises AAUA alumni and commended the University for producing skilled individuals who are prepared to contribute to society.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the University, particularly in areas such as infrastructural development and the implementation of the newly approved minimum wage.

Dr. Aiyedatiwa said: “Adekunle Ajasin University stands as our premier institution, consistently earning global accolades. Over the years, its graduates and staff have demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, further solidifying its reputation as a centre of excellence. I want to assure the leadership of this institution of our unwavering support, particularly in terms of infrastructural development and the implementation of the newly approved minimum wage.

“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that Adekunle Ajasin University continues to thrive. We will sustain and enhance our support to ensure it remains competitive and innovative, producing the calibre of graduates that Ondo State and Nigeria need to excel in the 21st century.”

He also expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, and his management team for their tireless efforts in upholding the vision and mission of the University’s founding fathers.

The Governor congratulated all graduands and honorary awardees on their achievements, charging the graduating classes to uphold the values of integrity, diligence, and the pursuit of excellence instilled in them during their time at the University.

In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, called for increased collaboration from stakeholders and well-meaning individuals.

“The Council is open to partnerships and ready to offer favourable terms to interested parties. Together, we can build a world-class university that serves Ondo State, Nigeria, and the global community,” he said.

Dr. Abayomi commended the Governor for his administration’s support and appealed for even greater backing to elevate the University to new heights.

Addressing the Convocation, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, congratulated the graduands and urged them to uphold the University’s values of integrity, diligence, and excellence.

 “The world eagerly awaits your contributions. Strive for innovation and excellence, as these traits will distinguish you in your professional journeys,” Prof. Ige encouraged.

He highlighted the University’s achievements, including securing research grants, excelling in accreditation exercises conducted by the National Universities Commission (NUC), and fostering a globally competitive academic environment.

He added: “In terms of research and development, our academics have consistently achieved remarkable global recognition, attesting to the University’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Most notably, nine of our academics were recently ranked among the top 2% of global scientists in the prestigious 2024 Stanford-Elsevier ranking.

“This monumental achievement not only underscores their exceptional expertise but also reaffirms the world-class standards of our institution’s academic and research capabilities. We are confident that similar global assessments in fields such as social sciences, arts, and humanities would reveal equally impressive achievements by our staff in these disciplines.

“It is against this backdrop that I proudly assert that today’s graduands have been nurtured and mentored by a truly world-class workforce. They have had the privilege of learning from some of the finest minds in academia.”

As part of the convocation activities, Governor Aiyedatiwa performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Hall of Residence, a key project marking the University’s 25th Anniversary. He commended the Management for prioritising student welfare and called for collective support to complete the project within record time, emphasising:

“all of us must support this project.”