Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has been awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Public Administration (honoris causa) by Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA). The recognition was part of the university’s 13th Convocation Ceremony held on Saturday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Multipurpose Hall.
The honorary degree acknowledges Governor Aiyedatiwa’s significant contributions to the progress of Ondo State, particularly in governance, public administration, and human capital development.
Expressing his gratitude, the governor dedicated the award to the people of Ondo State, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to enhancing education and sustainable development. “This prestigious recognition is a testament to our collective achievements in governance and public service,” he stated.
During his address, Aiyedatiwa praised AAUA for its academic excellence and role in producing graduates who have significantly contributed to the state’s socio-economic growth. He also highlighted his administration’s ongoing support for education, citing key interventions such as the allocation of ₦1 billion to the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, and ₦1.2 billion to Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, for infrastructural improvements.
The governor pledged continued support to AAUA, particularly in implementing the new minimum wage and addressing infrastructure challenges. He also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 250-bed hall of residence, addressing the housing and security issues faced by the university’s predominantly off-campus student population.
AAUA’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his leadership and transformative contributions to education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment. Prof. Ige also highlighted the university’s achievements, announcing the graduation of 6,837 students from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions, including 62 First Class graduates.
The Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, congratulated the graduands and lauded AAUA’s standing as one of Nigeria’s leading state universities. He also called for collective efforts to elevate the institution to global standards.
Other recipients of honorary doctorate degrees included Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati and Mr. Hazmat Ayodele Subair, recognised for their contributions to governance and public service.
