By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo
The Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Amos Ajibefun, has rated the Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo, as one of Nigeria’s top tertiary institutions.
Ajibefun made the remark while receiving the management team of the University, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, during a courtesy visit to his office in Akure.
The Commissioner lauded AFUED for its remarkable contributions to the advancement of education in the state and across the country.
According to him, “Adeyemi University of Education has been doing very well. For years, it had successfully run degree programmes in affiliation with Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, but now it has attained full autonomy as an independent university. That’s a major milestone, and I am happy for that development.”
He stressed the need for collaboration between the Ministry and the institution, noting that both share a common goal of improving educational standards and manpower quality.
Ajibefun said, “As the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and as a University of Education, we share the same vision. We must work together. The main objective is to produce high-quality manpower, and we are pleased that your graduates have continued to perform excellently.
“We have several programmes where we can collaborate, especially in the area of teacher training and retraining. You are very relevant as a University of Education. We also have students across the state whose standards can be improved through your input. Your demonstration schools will also play a key role in achieving this.”
He assured that the government would work out modalities for the collaboration, which, he said, would enhance revenue generation, infrastructural development, and overall educational improvement.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of AFUED, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, appreciated the Ondo State Government and Prof. Ajibefun for their consistent support towards the institution’s growth.
Popoola reaffirmed the university’s commitment to contributing to educational advancement in the state and the country, despite the challenges associated with its new university status.
He listed some of the challenges confronting the institution to include infrastructural upgrades, renovation of existing facilities, and the construction of additional classrooms, lecture theatres, laboratories, and ICT centres.
“We also need assistance in the area of students’ accommodation and welfare facilities, as well as in improving our staff capacity for effective research and teaching,” he said.
Speaking further, the VC noted that AFUED’s demonstration schools in Ondo and Akure have earned strong patronage and credibility among parents.
He added, “Our plan as management is to extend these demonstration schools to all local government areas in Ondo State, and we seek the Honourable Commissioner’s support in achieving this goal.”