By Our Reporter
The Governor of Ondo State, Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has been awarded an honorary doctorate in Public Administration by Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).
The accolade was conferred during the university’s 13th Convocation Ceremony, held on Saturday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Multipurpose Hall.
The university described the award as recognition of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s exceptional contributions to governance, public administration, and human capital development in Ondo State.
Accepting the honour, the Governor expressed his gratitude and dedicated the award to the people of Ondo State.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to advancing education and sustainable development.
In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated fellow honorary awardees and praised AAUA for its reputation as a centre of excellence in education and research.
He highlighted his government’s ongoing efforts to support education, citing investments such as ₦1billion allocated to the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, and ₦1.2 billion to Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, for infrastructure upgrades.
“As a government, we are committed to ensuring Adekunle Ajasin University continues to excel. Despite the challenges of funding, infrastructure, and staff welfare, we are determined to address these issues and maintain the university’s competitiveness,” the Governor said.
Earlier in the day, Governor Aiyedatiwa performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 250-bed hall of residence at AAUA, signalling the administration’s focus on improving infrastructure at the institution.
He also pledged continued support for implementing the newly-approved minimum wage and further infrastructure enhancements.
Addressing the graduating students, the Governor encouraged them to uphold the values of integrity, diligence, and excellence instilled during their studies.
“Education is a powerful tool, and with it comes the responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society, whether as entrepreneurs, professionals, or academics,” he remarked.
AAUA’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, praised the Governor’s visionary leadership, describing him as a statesman committed to socio-economic development and youth empowerment.
Similarly, the Pro-Chancellor, Dr Tunji Abayomi, congratulated the graduates and commended the Governor’s dedication to transforming Ondo State’s educational landscape.
Other recipients of honorary degrees included Honourable Adegboyega Adefarati, a member of the House of Representatives, and Mr Hazmat Ayodele Subair.
