AAUA VC urges Aiyedatiwa to build modern convocation auditorium
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Prof. Tomola Obamuyi, has appealed to Ondo State Governor and visitor to the institution, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to build and donate a modern convocation auditorium to the university.
Obamuyi said the proposed facility would address the inadequacy of the existing auditorium and provide a more comfortable venue for convocation ceremonies and other major academic events as the institution continues to expand.
The vice-chancellor made the appeal during a thanksgiving service held on Sunday at Glory Cathedral Church, Oba-Ile, Akure, to express gratitude to God and the governor following his appointment as the university’s seventh substantive vice-chancellor.
He urged Aiyedatiwa to leave a lasting legacy in the institution’s history by facilitating the construction of the auditorium, which he proposed should be named after the governor in recognition of his support for the university
The well-attended service attracted prominent personalities from government, academia, the judiciary, traditional institutions and the religious community, including former vice-chancellors of AAUA, heads of other tertiary institutions, staff and students.
Speaking at the event, Obamuyi expressed appreciation to the governor for appointing him and for the state government’s interventions aimed at stabilising the university, particularly amid recent challenges affecting its operations.
He also commended the university’s staff unions and students for their understanding, cooperation and support since he assumed office, describing their collective commitment as crucial to the institution’s stability and development.
The vice-chancellor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a stable academic calendar and promoting industrial harmony, while providing an enabling environment for teaching, learning and research.
He called for sustained prayers for the university’s management, staff and students, stressing the need for divine guidance in the pursuit of academic excellence and institutional development.
In his sermon, the General Overseer of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Archbishop Francis Wale Oke, emphasised the importance of thanksgiving and appreciation to both God and fellow human beings.
Oke urged Obamuyi and other public office holders to discharge their responsibilities with fairness and justice, reminding them that God remained the ultimate authority over all things.
However, Governor Aiyedatiwa who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology and a former vice-chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun assured the university of the state government’s continued support.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development of AAUA and other state-owned tertiary institutions, expressing confidence that the university would make further progress under Obamuyi’s leadership.
He urged members of staff to remain dedicated to their duties, protect the institution’s reputation and cooperate with the management and government in advancing its academic and infrastructural development.
Aiyedatiwa also stressed the importance of collaboration among the university management, staff and government in achieving sustainable growth.
Among the dignitaries at the service were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Ondo State Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola; the state’s Accountant-General, Olusegun Orisabinone; a former Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale; and the Chairman of Akoko South-West Local Government Area, Ayorinde Ajana.
Traditional rulers present included the Kalasuwe of Apoi, Oba Adejimola Amuseghan; the Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Oba Mofolorunso Adegboyega; the Orungoruwa of Erinje, Oba Oladele Akinmoye; and the Arapanata of Itebu-Kumi, Oba Aderibigbe Stephen.
Three former vice-chancellors of AAUA, Profs. Femi Mimiko, Igbekele Ajibefun and Olugbenga Ige, attended the service alongside the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, and heads of other tertiary institutions.
