As 62 bag First Class

By Saheed Ibrahim

Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has commenced its 13th convocation ceremony and 25th anniversary celebrations in grand style, showcasing a series of groundbreaking achievements.

Established in 1999, the Ondo State-owned institution has made remarkable strides in academic excellence, research, and infrastructure development.

The event, expected to attract dignitaries, alumni, and other stakeholders, will highlight AAUA’s commitment to producing world-class graduates and its contributions to Nigeria’s educational advancement.

Speaking at a press conference heralding the convocation ceremony in Akure, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, announced that a total of 6,882 students will graduate from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions. This includes 6,182 undergraduate students and 657 graduate students.

He noted that 62 undergraduate graduands achieved First Class Honours, 1,941 earned Second Class Upper Division, 3,486 attained Second Class Lower Division, 684 graduated with Third Class Honours, while eight earned Pass degrees.

The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that honorary degrees will be conferred on three distinguished Nigerians: Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Mr. Adegboyega Adefarati, and Mr. Hamzat Subaru, in recognition of their contributions to society.

To mark the 25th anniversary, the foundation-laying ceremony for a multi-million-naira Hall of Residence Project will be performed by the Visitor to the University, Governor Aiyedatiwa.

Prof. Ige outlined the activities planned for the 13th convocation ceremony, which include innovative research exhibitions and a friendly match on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the anniversary lecture will be delivered by the Attorney General of Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, alongside the AAUA at 25 Awards ceremony.

The 25th Anniversary Inter-University Debate and the Graduands’ Cocktail Lecture, presented by the Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Dipo Kolawole, will take place on Thursday.

Prof. Ige highlighted the university’s recent achievements, including the establishment of new faculties, 100 per cent accreditation of programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the inclusion of eight academics among the top 2 per cent of global scientists in the 2024 Stanford-Elsevier ranking, the securing of multi-million-naira research grants, and the conversion of a petrol-powered motorcycle into an electric motorcycle by students and alumni.

He expressed appreciation to the university’s alumni for their significant contributions to the institution’s development.

While responding to journalists’ questions, Prof. Ige revealed that the university has been granted approval to host an American Corner.

He explained that the application was made last year, and US delegates expressed satisfaction with the facilities presented by the university.

The American Corner is expected to become operational in January 2025.