By Adedotun Ajayi

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The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has pledged his administration’s unwavering support for university institutions within the state, with a special focus on integrating practical training into academic programmes.

He emphasised that this would help to better equip students for the challenges of the real world.

Aiyedatiwa made the commitment when he received the members of the Governing Council of Adeyemi University of Education during their courtesy visit to his office in Akure.

The visit served as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the state government and the university.

In his address, Aiyedatiwa underscored the critical role education plays in societal development.

He reiterated his administration’s resolve to support educational institutions within the state, regardless of their ownership status, stating that his government remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the education sector.

While acknowledging that Adeyemi University of Education is a federal institution, the governor noted that his administration fully understands the financial and infrastructural challenges faced by many educational institutions across the country.

He assured that despite these challenges, his government would offer as much support as possible within the limits of available resources.

The Governor said: “We are aware that nearly every institution is currently grappling with financial and infrastructural constraints. Even though Adeyemi University is a federal institution, because it is located here in Ondo State, we will extend the necessary support to it.”

He also stressed that ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for learning institutions is a top priority for his government.

“Security remains a top priority for us. We will continue to take steps to ensure that Ondo State is safe for learning, working, and living,” he added.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with all educational institutions in the state, promising that his administration would continue to create a conducive environment for them to thrive.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council, Ganiat Yusuf Adeola, who led the delegation, expressed gratitude for the warm reception.

She said that the purpose of the visit was to foster a stronger relationship between the university and the state government, as well as to formally introduce the leadership of the university to the governor.

Ganiat also informed the governor that Adeyemi University, formerly known as Adeyemi College of Education, had recently been upgraded to a full-fledged university and was still affiliated with Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife.

The Pro-Chancellor further extended an invitation to Governor Aiyedatiwa to attend the forthcoming convocation ceremony of the university, during which an honorary doctorate degree would be conferred on the First Lady of the country, Oluremi Tinubu, who is an alumna of the institution.

She also appealed to the state government for financial support, highlighting that such assistance would significantly contribute to the university’s academic and infrastructural growth.