By Adedotun Ajayi & Adeboye Ado

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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reiterated his commitment to the development of the educational sector in the state.

Aiyedatiwa spoke at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko’s (AAUA) 13th convocation ceremony, where he was conferred with an Honourary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration (Honoris causa) by the institution. The award recognised the governor’s significant contributions to the development of Ondo State, particularly in governance, public administration, and human capital development.

The Visitor also emphasised his administration’s dedication to funding education, citing key interventions in state-owned institutions, such as the allocation of ₦1 billion to the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, and ₦1.2 billion to the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, for infrastructural development.

Aiyedatiwa outlined his administration’s vision of fostering independent, well-funded institutions that drive societal change, reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a sustainable future for AAUA and other educational institutions in Ondo State.

The governor highlighted AAUA’s achievements in education and research on both national and international platforms. He commended the institution for its dedication to excellence and pledged continued support, particularly in implementing the newly approved minimum wage and enhancing infrastructure.

Expressing gratitude for the Honourary Doctorate Degree, Governor Aiyedatiwa dedicated the honour to the people of Ondo State and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing education and sustainable development in the state.

The Vice-Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, commended Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, describing him as a statesman devoted to the socio-economic advancement of the state. He noted that the honourary doctorate conferred on Governor Aiyedatiwa recognised his transformative contributions to education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment in Ondo State.

In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Tunji Abayomi, praised AAUA’s reputation as the best state university in Nigeria and one of the top 10 universities in the country.

Earlier, Governor Aiyedatiwa performed the groundbreaking and foundation-laying ceremony for a new hall of residence with a capacity of 250 beds.