By Aderemi Bamgbose
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Tuesday reiterated his commitment to revolutinalise education for students in the state’s tertiary institutions to compete optimally with their peers across the globe.
Aiyedatiwa emphasised the commitment during the third convocation ceremony for 2023/2024 academic session of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa in Ondo State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 995 students graduated from the institution, while Master Stephen Emoeni-Magi of Electrical/Electronics department, emerged the Best Overall Graduating student.
NAN reports that 31 graduates bagged First Class degree; 367 bagged Second Class Upper Division; 495 made Second Class Lower Division, while 102 graduands were in the Third Class category.
Aiyedatiwa, the visitor to the institution, also assured a state-of-the-art infrastructural development which would provide students with unparallel learning environment.
The governor promised rapid completion of Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) abandoned hostels, refubishing of old infrastructure and building new ones for students in the institution.
“I want to reaffirm our administration’s unwavering commitment to revolutionising the landscape of education in Ondo State.
“OAUSTECH stands as a testament to our collective aspirations for academic excellence and intellectual advancement.
“In our relentless pursuit of educational transformation, we are resolute in our determination to prioritise the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure that will provide our students with unparalleled learning environments.
“This commitment extends to the expeditious completion of critical projects such as the Maritime Transport and Logistics Academy at Ugbonla,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also commended the vice-chancellor and his management team for growing the enrollment of students exponentially from 800 to 2,800 in the last three years.
He urged the graduands to continue to embrace knowledge, push boundaries, and strive for excellence in all their pursuits.
Earlier, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, Vice-Chancellor, OAUSTECH, congratulated Aiyedatiwa for his swearing in on Feb. 24 as governor of the state for the next four years.
He said part of his achievement was increasing schools/faculties from three to seven, which he said had increased students enrollment.
The Vice Chancellor also noted part of his achievement were accreditation of all programmes, infrastructural development, staff welfare packages, and a stable academic calendar, among others.
He also appreciated the Governing Council led by Prof. Akinbo Adesomoju, his management team for his success.
He also commended the university community for their commitment to academic excellence, innovation and community services.
“To our graduating students, I urge you to continue your journey in learning and discovery, to remain curious, open-minded and embrace new challenges with enthusiasm and determination
“The education you have received in OAUSTECH has equipped you not only with knowledge and skills but with values of excellence, integrity and service,”Ologunorisa said.
NAN also reports that scholars, academicians, politicians, security agencies, traditional rulers, staff and students graced the convocation ceremony. (NAN)