.Groundnut sellers honoured

By Emmanuel Oluwadola

The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Professor Olugbenga Ige, has emphasised the crucial role of alumni support in the development of universities, stressing that no institution can attain full growth without their backing.

Professor Olugbenga Ige, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Clement Adebisi Daramola, disclosed this at the 2024 National Convention of the AAUA Alumni Association, held at the University’s Nelson Mandela Hall on Saturday.

He stated that amid state universities competing for government funding, there is a need for alumni associations to constantly provide unwavering support for the advancement of their alma mater.

“No university is fully developed without the support of alumni, and our university is ready to collaborate with this association. There are three state universities in Ondo State competing for funding, and aside from that, AAUA now has an additional 11 programmes requiring funding. You cannot talk about standard education without instituting appropriate programmes,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

He urged the alumni to continue representing the good image of the university and never be complacent. “We envision a time when an alumnus will become the Vice-Chancellor of the university. I commend your efforts as an association and advise you to continue your good work in further advancing the university.”

The guest speaker, Professor Benson Igboin, addressed the theme “Revisiting University Sustainability: The Roles of the Alumni Association.” He emphasised that university sustainability relies on developing the minds of students and alumni for advanced learning.

“Educational institutions should cultivate minds through advanced learning,” he said. “If you train the mind, it can reproduce technical knowledge and skills. Developing the mind is more important than acquiring skills.”

Professor Igboin further noted that students are potential alumni, and the way a university treats them will determine how they relate to or network with the institution in the future. He stressed that universities should foster collaboration among lecturers and students to solve real-world problems and drive positive change.

“A university’s ability to maintain its standards for societal development despite external challenges is crucial for sustainability,” he said. “Sustainability is achieved when a university upholds its standards and values. Unfortunately, many universities struggle to survive, let alone achieve sustainability.”

The President of the AAUA Alumni Association, Dr Olumide Olugbemi, delivered a keynote address, expressing gratitude to the attendees and delegates for their sacrifices and contributions to the association.

He emphasised that generally, an Alumni Association should be a platform that gives back to the university, rather than seeking personal gains.

The event also honoured two groundnut sellers, Mrs Nimota Yunusa (Iya Chemistry) and Mrs Mulika Mustapha (Iya Computer), who were inducted as honorary members of the Adekunle Ajasin University Alumni Association.

The duo, fondly known as “Mama Computer” and “Mama Chemistry,” were awarded honorary membership in the association in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the university over the past 25 years.

Meanwhile, new executives were elected for the Alumni Association. They include Dr Olumide Olugbemi-Gabriel as President, O’Seun Ogunsakin as National Publicity Officer, Bode Oyegoke as Vice-President 1, Nurudeen Saka Olokungboye as Vice-President 2, Dr Yusau Kazeem as Secretary, and Dr John Akinselure as Legal Adviser. Others are Akinyemi Akintan as National Social and Welfare Officer, Akeem Osasona as Director of ICT, Hellen Salu Yekeen as Director of Women Affairs, Dr Layi Oladipupo as Ex-Officio 1, Adebola Ogunade as Financial Secretary, Muyiwa Akinnadeju as Treasurer, Beke Stephen as Assistant General Secretary, and Damilare as Ex-Officio 2.