By Saheed Ibrahim

No fewer than 42 students of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, have emerged as first-class graduates among the 5,249 students set to graduate from the institution.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olugbenga Ige made this known while addressing newsmen at a World Press Conference in Akure as part of activities lined up for the 12th convocation programme of the institution.

Prof. Ige said a total of 5,249 graduands from the 2020/2021 set will be honoured, of which 180 will receive postgraduate degrees, with 24 in the PhD category.

“Of the graduating class, 42 achieved First Class, 1,088 in Second Class Upper Division, 2,264 in Second Class Lower Division and 605 in Third Class”, he revealed.

The VC assured that AAUA remained steadfast in its dedication to excellence, quality academic programme and research Initiatives.

“This proactive stance has consistently earned AAUA recognition as the Best State University in Nigeria over the past four years according to the prestigious Webometrics Ranking”, Prof. Ige said.

The AAUA VC reiterated that the institution remained committed to enhancing integrity and quality of it’s academic programmes through continuous staff training, re-invention of programmes and the establishment if a broad research agenda.

He noted that all the university’s programmes were accredited by the National University Commission, NUC.

“In our commitment to internationalisation and and benchmarking operations with global beat practices, the university continues to foster partnerships and networks with sister universities both locally and abroad.

“We have extended out collaborations with reputable foreign organisations and universities, including Chin-Africa Partnership Institute Exchange Programme”, he said.

The AAUA VC appreciated the university alumni association, adding that the university continued to support students through the dedicated Students’ Support Centre.

“Our university encourages our students to hone their skills, particularly in sports, entertainment and artistic performances, yielding gratifying outcomes. The numerous academic laurels achieved by some of our academic staff and collectively as a University in recent times further underscore the quality of AAUA’s academic programmes, the cornerstone of our reform efforts in recent years”, Prof. Ige said.

The World Press Conference was attended by principal officers of the university and members of the fourth estate of the realm.

The week-long convocation activities of the Ondo State foremost university kicked off on Friday, December 1, 2023, with a Jumat Service at the University Mosque, followed by a keep-fit exercise on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the University Sports Complex.

Tuesday, December 5 will feature research, development and innovation fair and convocation play.

Wednesday is for Convocation Lecture, to be delivered by the Managing Director of The Guardian Newspaper, Mr Martins Oloja before
Graduands Cocktail in the evening.

The conferment of First Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Higher Degrees, and Presentation of Prizes is set for Friday, December 8, and Saturday, December 9, 2023.

The grand finale, an Interdenominational Christian Service, will take place on Sunday, December 10.