The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has announced that a total of 6,837 students will graduate at the university’s 13th Convocation ceremony, scheduled to hold on Friday, December 13, and Saturday, December 14, 2024. This milestone is part of the university’s celebration of its 25th Anniversary, which will feature a series of academic, cultural, and athletic activities to commemorate its 25 years of academic excellence and contributions to national development.
Out of the total graduating students, 62 students will graduate with First Class Honours, while 1,941 students earned Second Class Honours (Upper Division) and 3,486 achieved Second Class Honours (Lower Division). Additionally, 684 students will graduate with Third Class Honours, and 8 will fall into the Pass category. Among the graduates are 657 postgraduate students, 46 of whom have earned their Ph.D. degrees. Prof. Ige emphasized that this diverse graduation outcome reflects the institution's commitment to promoting academic excellence.
Prof. Ige further announced that three distinguished Nigerians would be conferred with honorary degrees during the convocation ceremony. They are the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who will receive a Doctor of Public Administration, Honoris Causa; Hon. Adegboyega Adeyemi Adefarati, the lawmaker representing Akoko South West/East at the National Assembly, who will be awarded a Doctor of Political Science, Honoris Causa; and Mr. Hazmat Ayodele Subair, who will be conferred with a Doctor of Business Administration, Honoris Causa, for their outstanding contributions to societal progress and the development of the institution.
In addition to the convocation, the Vice Chancellor highlighted that the university will mark its 25th Anniversary with a range of events, including a lecture by Dr. Kayode Ajulo, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State. The convocation ceremony will also feature a special lecture by Prof. Dipo Kolawole, former Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University. Activities will include the 25th Anniversary Inter-University Debate, a cocktail for graduating students, drama performances, research exhibitions, a friendly football match, and athletic competitions.
Prof. Ige also disclosed that the National Universities Commission has accredited additional programmes that align with modern societal and academic needs. These include courses in Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Cyber Security, Data Science, Software Engineering, and Food Science and Technology, expanding the university's academic offerings and advancing innovation in education.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed that AAUA has remained steadfast in its mission to uphold the vision of its founding fathers, with a strong focus on promoting cutting-edge research, implementing merit-driven admissions, recruiting competent staff, and supporting young academics to advance their education at local and international institutions. The leadership remains committed to academic integrity, innovation, and excellence as the institution continues its journey into the future.
This year’s convocation and 25th Anniversary celebrations promise to be a unique milestone that combines academic accomplishments, intellectual discussions, and cultural performances, further solidifying AAUA’s role as a leader in higher education.
