By Julius Alabi, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has said it was a financial strain for the state government to run three universities.
The governor however assured the people of the state that he would not scrap any of the Universities.
“Let me also assure that my administration will continue to raise the banner of excellence at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba -Akoko (AAUA) and sustain the already attained status of the institution as one of the best in the country”, he said.
Akeredolu reiterated the commitment of his administration to sustain and develop the three state owned universities in the state despite the financial challenges.
The Governor who made this known while playing host to top management staff of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko led by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Olugbenga Ige at his office, Alagbaka Akure yesterday evening.
He said although the burden running the three universities is draining the resources stressing that his administration will continue to do its best to keep the institutions going in line with the desire of the people of the state.
‘’Running three universities is not a child’s play. We are going through some trying times, particularly financial’’, he said.
Commenting on the accreditation exercise of courses in the University coming up this month, Akeredolu said it was unfortunate that the exercise will be holding at the same period for the three state owned universities but was quick to add that Adekunle Ajasin University being the flagship of the institutions will not be abandoned.
‘’We are facing a lot of challenges but the accreditation cannot wait. It is not what we can postpone, we will do our best and see what we can do and make sure that we at least get something for the university to scale through this exercise’, the governor assured.
Earlier, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige said the re-election of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for another term of four years was consequent upon the sound leadership which the governor has brought to bear on the people of the state.
‘’We want to rejoice with you as critical stakeholder in the educational sector of Ondo State. And to inform you that your re-election is a testimony of the impact which your leadership has effected in the lives of the people of Ondo State.” he added