The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has been conferred with a doctorate degree in Public Administration (honoris causa) by the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).
The Governor received the prestigious award during the institution’s 13th Convocation Ceremony, held on Saturday at the university’s Olusegun Obasanjo multipurpose hall.
The recognition, the institution said, is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the development of Ondo State, particularly in governance, public administration, and human capital development.
During the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the university for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Ondo State, just as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving education and fostering sustainable development in the state.
“To the new Honorary Awardees who have just been conferred with an honorary doctorate from Adekunle Ajasin University, I extend my warmest congratulations. I am highly honoured and delighted to be one of you. This prestigious recognition is a testament to our remarkable contributions and outstanding achievements in our various fields”, the Governor said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the university for its role in producing graduates who have significantly contributed to the state’s workforce and socio-economic development.
He lauded the institution’s achievements over the years, particularly its recognition as a centre of excellence in education and research on both national and international platforms.
Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted his administration’s commitment to funding education, citing specific interventions in other state-owned institutions, including the allocation of ₦1billion to the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, and ₦1.2billion to Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, for infrastructural development.
He assured the management of AAUA of continued support in implementing the newly-approved minimum wage and enhancing the university’s infrastructure.
“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that Adekunle Ajasin University continues to thrive. We will sustain and enhance our support to ensure it remains competitive and innovative, producing the calibre of graduates that Ondo State and Nigeria need to excel in the 21st century.
“I am fully aware of the challenges faced by this university, particularly in the areas of funding, infrastructure, and staff welfare. As an administration, we are determined to address these issues to the best of our ability”, he added.
Addressing the graduands, the Governor encouraged them to uphold the values of integrity, diligence, and excellence instilled in them during their time at the university.
“Education is a powerful tool and with it comes the responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society. Whether as entrepreneurs, professionals or academics. Let your actions reflect the training and principles you have received from Adekunle Ajasin University”, he said.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa’s visionary leadership, describing him as a statesman committed to advancing the socio-economic wellbeing of the state.
Prof. Ige emphasized that the honorary doctorate conferred on Governor Aiyedatiwa reflects the university’s acknowledgment of his transformative impact on education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment in Ondo State.
In his welcome address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, congratulated the graduands for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing AAUA’s reputation as the Best State University in Nigeria and one of the top 10 universities in the country.
Dr. Abayomi also lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, congratulating him on his recent electoral victory and calling for greater support from stakeholders to elevate AAUA to global standard.
The Governor had earlier performed the groundbreaking and foundation-laying ceremony for a new hall of residence for the institution. The new hall of residence will have a capacity of 250 beds.
Others conferred with honorary degrees at the ceremony were; Hon Adegboyega Adefarati, member representing Akoko South East/South West in the House of Representatives and Mr Hazmat Ayodele Subair.
