By Kemi Olatunde

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritising educational advancement and improving the lives of the people of the state.

The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti stated this on Friday while delivering an address at the 35th convocation ceremony and conferment of honorary doctorate degrees and awards at Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo.

According to him, education remains a potent tool for transforming lives, noting that Ondo has become one of the states with an excellent educational record. He said, “For instance, students from Ondo State performed excellently in the recently released 2025 UTME results by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.”

He commended the achievements of the institution, stressing that it has continued to explore opportunities for advancing education and improving service delivery.

He also lauded the hard work and resilience of the Council, Management, and staff of the university for sustaining its outstanding academic excellence through integrated and contemporary teaching, learning and research methods, despite daunting challenges.

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised the need for the institution to remain focused and continue to be a shining ambassador, calling for the promotion of integrity, compassion, and knowledge in all endeavours.

While applauding the cordial relationship between his government and the institution, Aiyedatiwa assured of continued support in all areas.

He said, “A careful examination of our development policy thrust, with the acronym ‘OUR EASE’, exemplifies our determination to enrich our people.

“This represents our vision for a brighter future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. I urge this institution not to relent in its crucial role in the development of our state and Nigeria at large. We are confident that through this innovative collaboration with you, we can forge ahead and totally eradicate the challenges currently facing the country.”

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was among those honoured at the ceremony.

In her response, the First Lady, who was represented by Engineer Kayode Ojo, expressed appreciation to the university for recognising her efforts towards national development.

She charged the graduands to remain extremely focused and make use of their God-given talents, in conjunction with technology, to seize their future.

She urged them to uphold their integrity and safeguard the environment for the good of the country.

She also encouraged the graduands to give back to the university as they progress in life.

Senator Tinubu assured the institution of renewed presidential support and urged the management to continue working towards making it a 21st-century institution of excellence.