AAUA Offers 32 First Class Graduates Jobs

Authorities of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) has offered job opportunities to all the graduates of the institution who achieved First Class honour among the 5,799 that graduated.

The Vice Chancellor of the varsity, Prof. Olugbenga Ige disclosed this on Saturday at the institution’s 14th Convocation Ceremony.

He announced automatic employment for the First Class graduates upon completion of their National Youth Service.

Prof. Ige, therefore, urged all graduands to exhibit the values, knowledge, and discipline instilled in them by the university wherever they find themselves in future.

Delivering his valedictory convocation speech, the vice Chancellor said: “Every convocation is a powerful reminder that learning is a lifelong journey that demands discipline, perseverance, and vision.

“I urge our graduands to carry with pride the spirit and values of Adekunle Ajasin University wherever life leads you. Be true ambassadors of our core ideals – integrity, diligence, and service.

In the synopsis of his journey as the Vice Chancellor of the varsity, Prof. Ige said: “When I assumed office on 7 July, 2021, I did so with a heart full of hope and a clear vision to make Adekunle Ajasin University a cynosure of excellence.

“Those goals were not mere words; they became the blueprint for action. Today, I am grateful to God and proud to say that, together, we have made significant strides. Our university has not only sustained its reputation as one of the best state universities in Nigeria but has also advanced in research, digital learning, staff development, and community service.

“We have significantly broadened our academic landscape by expanding the number of faculties from seven to ten,” he said.

“We established three new faculties: Administration and Management Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, and Computing; alongside new Departments of French, Food Science, and Library and Information Science.”

Relishing the listing of nine AAUA scholars in the prestigious Elsevier-Stanford Global Ranking for 2024, Prof. Ige said: “This recognition, based on rigorous criteria such as research impact and citation indices, underscores the university’s expanding influence in cutting-edge research.

“The honourees, drawn from diverse academic fields, exemplify AAUA’s enduring tradition of excellence.”

Meanwhile, the visitor of the university, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who commended the institution for its vital intellectual and human development roles within the state and beyond, promised to look into the university’s funding challenges.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, a former Vice Chancellor of the varsity, the governor congratulated the graduands and charged them to excel and be good ambassadors of the university and the state.

He commended the university management for successfully steering the institution through challenging times, pledging to attend to the funding challenges of the institution.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, affirmed the council’s undiminished aspiration to sustain the imposing stature and status of the institution within the global community of universities.

He said the institution has the capacity to become Nigeria’s best citadel of knowledge and research, and among the best globally, if well-funded.

Consequently, he made a case for an increase in the annual subvention of the varsity to N12 billion.

He said: “In our undiminished aspiration to place the university on the global map, we recognise this dream demands the assistance and cooperation of all,” he said.

“We have reinvigorated our efforts, recommitting to the vision of our founding fathers. This reflects our dedication to overcoming obstacles in our pursuit of academic excellence.”

In her address, the Overall Best Graduating Student, Folake Racheal Omonitan, with a CGPA of 4.79, from the Biochemistry Department, said her success was propelled by a focus on her primary purpose for being at university and attaining her ultimate dream.

She, therefore, called on her fellow graduates to face the future with confidence and the belief that nothing is impossible.