Excellence On Display: AAUA Celebrates 32 First-Class Graduates
Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), will on Friday and Saturday graduate 5,799 students, including 32 First Class degree holders, at its 14th Convocation Ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga E. Ige, announced on Monday.
The Vice Chancellor , who addressed journalists at the Senate Chamber ahead of the ceremony, described the 32 First Class graduands as “a testament to the academic discipline, resilience, and integrity that define AAUA.”
According to him, the university remains committed to maintaining strong academic standards despite national economic and educational challenges. “Our greatest currency is academic integrity, and we have protected it fiercely,” he said.
Prof. Ige noted that this year’s convocation will also see the graduation of 1,444 Second Class Upper, 3,177 Second Class Lower, 582 Third Class and 16 Pass degree holders.
In addition, 526 postgraduate students and 22 diploma candidates will receive their certificates.
Reflecting on his tenure, the VC reminded the press that this will be his last convocation before leaving office.
“This moment is a personal bookmark for me,” he stated. “It has been five years of collective commitment, courage, and the grace of God.”
He highlighted major achievements under his leadership, including the creation of three new faculties — Allied Health Sciences, Computing, and Administration & Management Sciences.
The VC announced that the institution achieved 100% accreditation for all programmes assessed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), while new programmes also scaled resource verification exercises.
“The results have been impressively positive,” he affirmed.
He celebrated the university’s rising global research profile, noting that nine AAUA scholars were ranked among the top two per cent of researchers worldwide in the 2024 Elsevier–Stanford Global Scientist Ranking.
“These recognitions confirm that our academic output commands respect on the global stage,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor also praised the university’s inaugural lecture revival, which rose from just 15 lectures in 2021 to 51 delivered so far, with the 52nd scheduled next week.
“We made a deliberate decision to strengthen our intellectual culture,” he said.
Infrastructure development also featured prominently in his address. Ige listed completed and renovated projects including the Faculty of Science Glasshouse, the new Faculty of Social Sciences building, and major upgrades to the 30-classroom Quadrangle and Faculty of Education.
He described the foundation laying of an 80-bed hostel as one of the most symbolic achievements of his administration, noting that it was funded through staff, alumni, students, and friends of the university.
“This project is built not just on concrete but on goodwill,” he remarked.
On student welfare, he highlighted initiatives such as the Work-Study Scheme, tuition subsidies for physically challenged students, and investments in sports, where AAUA athletes recently won medals at NUGA competitions.
He applauded the Students’ Union for what he called “a new culture of responsible and constructive leadership.”
AAUA’s shift to electronic voting for union elections, he said, had entrenched transparency and technological efficiency.
The VC also acknowledged notable alumni achievements, including appointments of alumni into government positions, global academic awards, and Guinness World Records.
“Our graduates are not just employable; they are transforming societies,” he said proudly.
Speaking directly to journalists, Prof. Ige expressed deep appreciation for their role in the university’s visibility.
“You have been our partners in progress,” he said. “You helped us amplify our achievements and strengthened public confidence in AAUA.”
As the institution prepares for a week of convocation activities, including a Research, Development and Innovation Fair, the outgoing VC urged the community to continue supporting the university’s journey toward excellence.
“When a community is united by purpose, progress becomes inevitable,” he said.
The 14th Convocation Ceremony continues through December 13.