Maroc - NEWSLINENG.COM.NG - A La Une - 09/Dec 20:19

AAUA graduates 6,837 students as 62 bag first class

PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE VICE CHANCELLOR, ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY, AKUNGBA-AKOKO, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA, PROFESSOR OLUGBENGA E. IGE, FOR THE 13TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY, HELD AT THE ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL, AKURE, ON MONDAY, DECEMBER  9, 2024.Principal Officers of the University,Deans of Faculty,Directors of Centres and Institutes,Heads of Departments,Distinguished Professors and Members of the Senate,Heads of Departments and Units,Members of Staff and Students,Distinguished Gentlemen of the Press,Ladies and Gentlemen,I am, indeed, happy to welcome you all to this Press Briefing for the 13th Convocation Ceremony of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko. Convocation ceremonies are sacred milestones that mark the completion of rigorous academic journeys. They provide a platform to celebrate our graduands achievements alongside the support of their parents, guardians, and the entire University community. This year's convocation holds special significance as it coincides with the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of AAUA. This celebration goes beyond festivities; it is marked by a historic milestonethe foundation laying of a multi-million-naira Hall of Residence Project. Once completed, this hall will enable us to accommodate more students on campus, addressing a pressing need as the majority of our students currently reside off-campus. On Saturday, December 14, the Visitor to the University and Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will perform the groundbreaking ceremony. This project is a product of collective contributions from the University community, alumni, parents, friends and stakeholders, and I express my heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported the endeavour.While we have made a remarkable start on the project, there is still much to be done. On behalf of the University, I appeal for additional donations in cash and materials to complete this transformative project. While I especially thank members of this University community for their donations thus far, let me particularly appreciate some notable contributors and other stakeholders for their generous donations towards the project. This generosity underscores their commitment to the development of this institution.Over the past few days, our university has been a hub of vibrant activities, showcasing a blend of intellectual, cultural, and athletic engagements. These events included religious services, captivating drama performances, innovative research exhibitions, athletic competitions, and a friendly football match. As part of the activities lined up for the 25th Anniversary of the University, an International Conference was held in honour of Late Chief Micheal Adekunle Ajasin, the former Governor of Ondo State, on November 5, 2024, in which participants were drawn from all over the country.Today, after this press conference, the Convocation Play will be staged on campus. Other activities for the 13th Convocation Ceremony include innovative research exhibitions and a friendly football match tomorrow Tuesday; the Anniversary Lecture to be delivered on Wednesday by Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State; while the AAUA at 25 Awards Ceremony will hold the same day. The 25th Anniversary Inter-University Debate; Graduands Cocktail and the Convocation Lecture to be presented by Prof. Dipo Kolawole, former Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, will take place on Thursday.Friday is dedicated for conferment of First degree on graduating students of faculties of Administration and Management Science, Education, The Social Sciences, Institute of Education, Institute of Part Time programmes, and presentation of Prizes.  Saturday is for conferment of First degree on graduating students of faculties of Agriculture, Arts, Law, Science, award of Postgraduate Diploma, Higher degrees, Honourary degrees, and presentation of prizes.At this 13th Convocation, we are presenting a total of 6,837 graduands from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions. This number includes 657 postgraduate students, among whom 46 have earned their Ph.D. degrees.Among the 6,182 undergraduate graduands, 62 achieved First Class Honoursa testament to the academic excellence upheld by this institution. Additionally, 1,941 earned Second Class Honours (Upper Division), 3,486 attained Second Class Honours (Lower Division), 684 graduated with Third Class Honours, and 8 fall into the Pass category.That is not all, we are also conferring honourary degrees on three distinguished Nigerians for their outstanding contributions to society:His Excellency Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa (Doctor of Public Administration, Honoris Causa)Hon. Adegboyega Adeyemi Adefarati (Doctor of Political Science, Honoris Causa) Mr. Hazmat Ayodele Subair (Doctor of Business Administration, Honoris Causa)Gentlemen of the Press, it is with great pleasure that I present to you the strides we have made since our last Convocation on December 9, 2023. This year holds special significance as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of our university on this site and mark the third Convocation I have had the privilege of presiding over. Among our key aspirations has been the stabilization of the academic calendar and the institutionalization of an annual convocation ceremony, aligning with international standards that underscore the transformative role of higher education in national development and its influence within Nigeria's educational system. This commitment reflects our dedication to realizing the founding fathers vision of establishing a university that excels in "research, knowledge, character, and service to humanity," rooted in the timeless principles of learning and service.We are acutely aware of the immense challenges associated with building a globally competitive university, especially in an environment where education faces severe constraints. Despite the economic difficulties and the instability confronting higher education in our nation, we have persevered. We have addressed emerging issues, provided visionary leadership, nurtured intellectual growth, created impactful programmes, advanced professionalism, and fostered an environment conducive to learning and service. At AAUA, we remain focused on deepening the integrity of our academic programmes, enhancing the efficiency of internal operations, and expanding the scope of our student support services.Between the last Convocation and now, we have worked diligently to strengthen the capacity of our staff on a sustainable basis, deepen societal engagement, and broaden our commitment to internationalization. These efforts aim to position our university as a more relevant and competitive institution on the global stage. All of these have been achieved within the framework of a carefully designed institutional reform programme aimed at attaining global best practices in higher education administration.We are proud to note that in the last one year, despite numerous challenges, we have expanded our academic offerings with the establishment of two new faculties: the Faculty of Allied and Health Sciences; and the Faculty of Computing, which now offer programmes such as Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health; Cyber Security, Data Science, Software Engineering, Information, and Communication Technology; and Information System. Our Faculty of Agriculture has also added Food Science and Technology to its existing programmes.The University has remained steadfast in upholding the integrity of its academic programmes, staying true to the vision articulated by its founding fathers 25 years ago. To ensure sustainable academic excellence, the University established five core pillars: promoting cutting-edge research, implementing merit-driven admission processes, appointing staff based on merit, supporting young academics in pursuing advanced degrees at renowned institutions both locally and internationally, and continuously training and retraining academic and non-teaching staff for optimal performance.These strategic measures have yielded significant results, positioning the University as a leading institution in the nation. Proof of this is its consistent achievement of 100% accreditation for its programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Presently, accreditation exercises are ongoing for 13 programmes, and we are grateful for the unwavering support of all stakeholders who have been instrumental in these successes.In terms of research and development, our academics have consistently achieved remarkable global recognition, an attestation to the Universitys commitment to excellence and innovation. Most notably, eight of our academics were recently ranked among the top 2% of global scientists in the prestigious 2024 Stanford-Elsevier ranking. This monumental achievement not only underscores their exceptional expertise but also reaffirms the world-class standards of our institutions academic and research capabilities.This ranking serves as a beacon of the quality of education and mentorship offered at our university. It demonstrates that our staff are not just contributing to knowledge but are doing so at the highest global standards. Furthermore, we are confident that similar global assessments in fields such as social sciences, arts, and humanities would reveal equally impressive achievements by our staff in these disciplines.It is against this backdrop that I proudly assert that our graduands have been nurtured and mentored by a truly world-class workforce. They have had the privilege of learning from some of the finest minds in academia, whose contributions go far beyond the confines of our classrooms and echo across the global academic community.In addition to the international recognition of the nine distinguished academics, our university continues to shine as a hub of innovative research. Beyond these rankings, we take immense pride in the achievements of other academics who have demonstrated outstanding research prowess by securing highly competitive grants. Scholars such as, Dr. O.M. Bankole, Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research grant and another research grant to carry Incorporation of Hdrochar/Fe00H/Zeolite in a D-printed Cap for a Multifunctional Water Purification Water System, Dr. Olumide Oluyede, a grant to carry out Assessment of Immunomodulatory Role, Antimicrobial Efficacy and Killing Kinetic of Bioactive Peptides from Ademothera Pavonina Seeds against Multidrug Resistant Beta Haemoltic Staphylococcus aureus. Others include Prof. Benson Igboin, who won the Nagel Research grant  to carry out research in the Country, Prof Nurudeen Oladoja, who also won a grant to carry out Tuning Invasive Aquatic Flora Biomass to Functional Materials for Water Purification and Dr. Grace  Ajakaye, who received a grant by the National Institute of Health to carry out research on Genomic Investigation of Schistosoma Hybrid I Reservoir and Vector Hosts in Schistosomiasis Endemic Communities in Nigeria, and many more, have made significant strides, securing  over half a billion naira funding that facilitates groundbreaking research projects with far-reaching impact. These grants not only underscore the innovative spirit and intellectual rigour of our university but also enhance the Universitys capacity to contribute to solving pressing societal challenges through research.The exceptional virtues and outstanding qualities of our academic staff continue to set them apart as exemplary ambassadors, extending their influence far beyond the walls of AAUA. Their achievements reflect the high standards we uphold as an institution and the caliber of professionals we cultivate.I am particularly proud to highlight the recent accomplishments of one of our distinguished academics, Prof. Olukayode Afolabi, Director of the Academic Planning Unit. Prof. Afolabi was recently elected by the Pan African Psychology Union (PAPU) to represent Nigeria on its Council, the highest governing body for psychologists across Africa. Notably, he is the second Nigerian to achieve this prestigious position.In addition to this remarkable honour, Prof. Afolabi currently serves as the President of the Nigerian Psychological Association, further cementing his expertise and leadership in the field of psychology both locally and across the continent. His achievements are evidence of the exceptional talent nurtured within our university.Furthermore, three of our professors have been entrusted with the responsibility of steering other universities as Vice Chancellors. Prof. Isaac Ajayi now serves as the Vice Chancellor of Wellspring University, Benin City; Prof. Timothy Adejumo leads Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan; and Prof. Francis Gbore has taken the helm at Sam Maris University, Supare Akoko, Ondo State. Also, Prof. C. A. Daramola, the current Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, was recently appointed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria into the Technical Advisory Group of TETFUND. In addition, Prof. Tajudeeen Ibrahim, is also a current Commissioner with the Ondo Sate Independent Electoral Commission, (ODIEC). These appointments speak volumes about the reputation of our university as a breeding ground for leaders in academia and beyond. Moreover, we remain unwavering in our commitment to staff development, as we recognize that the growth of our personnel directly correlates with the advancement of our institution. Training and retraining opportunitiesboth locally and internationallyare central to our mission of building a motivated and highly skilled workforce. In the last few months alone, over 50 of our academic and non-academic staff have participated in conferences and professional development programmes across the globe. Just recently, we approved funding for an additional 20 academic staff members to attend international conferences and specialised training sessions, aimed at further honing their pedagogical and research skills.These investments in our people are deliberate and strategic, as we firmly believe that continuous learning and exposure to global best practices are essential for maintaining our position as a leading institution of higher learning. To further enhance our academic activities, the University has successfully hosted over 20 international and local conferences, seminars, workshops, and training sessions. These events are designed to enrich our academic programmes and align with our mission to establish the institution as a globally relevant center of learning and research.That is not allour Inaugural Lecture series has seen remarkable growth. From the initial 15 editions, we have now reached the 31st edition, with even more planned for the coming year. This progress reflects our commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and advancing knowledge across diverse disciplines.Our University Advancement Office is another major arm of the University that is central to our uplift as a university. We have given support to the office to be able to function maximally, and we are beginning to see the results of its activities in terms of linking the University with necessary stakeholders that could contribute meaningfully to the University. We are confident that the Office would attract more developments to our university.We have also remained resolute in our support for students, ensuring that their academic journey is both enriching and accommodating. Through initiatives such as scholarships and the Work-Study Scheme, we continue to invest in their success. The Work-Study Scheme, in particular, allows willing students to work in the university for two hours daily, allowing them to earn stipends at the end of each semester. This programme alleviates financial burdens and instils a sense of responsibility and work ethic in our students. Apart from this, our Students' Support Centre has remained active and vibrant. The Centre administers financial aid to different categories of students, including gifted, indigent, and physically challenged students. Under the terms of the agreement, the University will cover half of the school expenses for all physically challenged students. Beyond academics, we actively encourage our students to excel in sports, entertainment, and leadership. We take pride in nurturing their talents and providing platforms for them to thrive. To make their experiences on campus smoother and more efficient, we have also embraced technology to streamline their activities. For instance, our electronic voting system for Student Union elections ensures transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity, reinforcing our commitment to fostering democratic values and technological advancement. These efforts collectively reflect our vision of empowering our students to be well-rounded individuals who excel academically, innovate creatively, and lead with purpose, both locally and globallyLadies and gentlemen, our dedication to staff welfare go beyond rhetoric; it is reflected in tangible actions that prioritise their professional growth and motivation.We are proud to maintain a consistent track record of ensuring that all staff members receive their deserved promotions, conversions, and career advancements promptly. This commitment stems from our belief that a motivated workforce is the bedrock of institutional excellence. Since assuming office three years ago, we have made unprecedented strides in this regard. This year alone, we have appointed 35 academics from Reader to Full Professor, and 23 Senior Lecturers to the rank of Reader. Additionally, we elevated, 18 of all, Principal Assistant Registrars, and Chief Accountants to Deputy Registrar, and Deputy Bursar, respectively, ensuring that deserving staff across various cadres are recognised and rewarded for their hard work and contributions.These promotions are not just acknowledgments of individual achievements but also an affirmation of our commitment to building an institution where excellence is celebrated and career progression is guaranteed. We will continue to uphold these values, fostering an environment where every member of our community feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential.On our industrial relations with staff and students unions, let me unequivocally affirm that the University Management has fostered and maintained a robust, respectful, and mutually beneficial relationship with all unions within the institution. This commitment to harmony is critical to our shared vision of progress and excellence. Despite the financial and logistical constraints that continue to challenge our operations, the Management remains unwavering in its commitment to prioritising the welfare and well-being of every member of our university community. We deeply value the contributions of our unionsthe Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT)as well as our vibrant Students Union. These unions have demonstrated exemplary solidarity and cooperation, which have been instrumental in fostering harmony within our university and ensuring that its operations run smoothly. Their support and understanding, especially in challenging times, have reinforced our collective resolve to surmount obstacles and remain steadfast in delivering quality education and services. Together, we have created an environment that emphasises dialogue, mutual respect, and shared responsibility, which is critical to the sustainable development of our University.Gentlemen of the press, let me also inform you that, we take immense pride in the robust and enduring relationship we share with our alumni. Since its formal inauguration on December 14, 2014exactly a decade agothe Alumni Association has proven to be an invaluable partner in the Universitys journey. Despite being relatively young and operating with limited resources, the association has continually demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the development of its alma mater.Across various departments, members of the Alumni Association have made remarkable contributions. A particularly noteworthy example is the global body of the AAUA Alumni Association, under the leadership of Dr. Olumide Olugbemi, which powered the Exams and Records Unit with solar energy. This thoughtful initiative ensures the units seamless functionality, particularly in the administration of academic transcripts and processing of examination resultsan essential service that reflects the professionalism and efficiency of our institution.Let me also use this opportunity to commend the global body of the Alumni Association as a point of contact for other groups of alumni who have also made significant donations. These include office equipment and solar lighting gadgets for various departments. Their generosity has been instrumental in addressing critical needs and enhancing the learning environment for our students and staff. Additionally, I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the 2022/2023 graduating set of the Masters in Public Administration (MPA) programme. Their financial support to the Adekunle Ajasin University Business School in Akure is an exemplification of the enduring spirit of giving back, which we cherish deeply as an institution. Similarly, I thank very profoundly Mr Sunday Adewuyi, an Alumnus who facilitated the donation of 210 Solar Power Panel and installation to our university.As a university, we are profoundly encouraged by these efforts. They remind us that our alumni are not just former students but lifelong partners in the pursuit of excellence. We remain optimistic that even greater support and engagement will flow from our ever-growing alumni community in the years to come.Aside from that, we take pride in celebrating their achievements. Two months ago, we were filled with immense pride as the Ekiti State Government honoured one of our distinguished alumni, Mr. Segun Adebayo, with the prestigious award of Best Civil Servant in the state.This recognition is a witness to the excellence and integrity instilled in our graduates, who continue to shine brightly in their respective fields. Similarly, another exceptional achievement came from Ms. Joy Oluwatoyin Adeboye, a graduating student of our university, who received international honour as she was conferred with the United States ORG Global Impact Award. This honour celebrates her groundbreaking work in advancing womens and girls rights, particularly in leadership roles and combating violence against women and girls in Nigeria and across Africa. As I conclude, I am thrilled to note the innovative accomplishments of a group of six graduate students from our Department of Physics and Electronics.These enterprising young minds successfully converted a traditional petrol-powered motorcycle into an electronic-oriented vehicle, showcasing their ingenuity and commitment to sustainable technology. Such achievements speak volumes about the quality of education, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities available at our university, which enable our students to address real-world challenges with creative solutions.Gentlemen of the press, as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, and its graduands, I warmly urge you to continue being our steadfast partners in progress. Your role in sharing our stories and successes with the world is invaluable, and we deeply appreciate your commitment.On this note, I invite you to participate in all the activities lined up for our 13th Convocation Ceremony. Thank you all for being here and for your usual support.Professor Olugbenga E. IgeVice ChancellorAdekunle Ajasin University, Akungba AkokoE-mail: vc@aaua.edu.ng