AAUA Must Compete Globally --- VC, Obamuyi

The newly inaugurated Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Professor Tomola Obamuyi, has unveiled an ambitious agenda aimed at transforming the institution into a globally recognised centre for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, innovation and human capital development.

Professor Obamuyi disclosed this during his investiture ceremony held on Wednesday at the university's Multipurpose Hall, where he officially assumed office as the seventh substantive Vice Chancellor for a five-year tenure.

Speaking on his vision for the institution, the Vice Chancellor acknowledged the financial and infrastructural challenges confronting the university, including inadequate funding, infrastructure deficits and the need to boost internally generated revenue. 

He, however, commended past administrations for sustaining the institution's growth and producing graduates who continue to excel both nationally and internationally.

To consolidate these achievements, Obamuyi introduced the "AAUA FIRST Strategy," a development framework anchored on five key pillars: Funding Opportunities, Infrastructural Development, Research and Academic Excellence, Service to Staff, Students, Partners and the Community, as well as Technological Advancement.

According to him, financial sustainability remains the foundation for the successful implementation of the university's programmes.

He noted that universities must diversify their sources of income rather than depend solely on government allocations, adding that institutions that thrive globally are those that build sustainable endowments and viable business ventures.

As part of efforts to improve the university's financial base, the Vice Chancellor said the management would seek an upward review of monthly government subventions while launching an alumni support initiative aimed at encouraging 1,000 financially capable graduates of the institution to contribute at least ₦25,000 monthly. 

He explained that the initiative could generate about ₦300 million annually to support research and innovation.

He further revealed plans to expand the university's commercial farming activities, reposition AAUA Ventures into performance-driven enterprises and leverage the institution's strategic location to become a leading hub for agricultural innovation, renewable energy research and entrepreneurship.

On infrastructure, Professor Obamuyi pledged to prioritise the completion of abandoned TETFUND projects, facilitate the construction of a 3,000-capacity multipurpose auditorium, establish a modern Information and Communications Technology Application Centre (ICTAC), and pursue additional capital projects through public-private partnerships.

To strengthen academic excellence and research output, he announced plans to establish a Grantsmanship Task Force that would attract competitive local and international research grants. 

He also disclosed that new academic programmes such as Financial Technology (FinTech), Business Information Technology, Project Management Science, Digital Health and Health Informatics, as well as Capital Market Studies, would be introduced to align the university's curriculum with emerging global demands.

Professor Obamuyi also assured members of staff and students of improved welfare, promising to promote industrial harmony through regular engagement with labour unions, capacity-building initiatives, merit-based promotions, better working conditions and the introduction of an Annual Staff Excellence Awards Programme.

Expressing appreciation to the Visitor to the University and Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as well as the Governing Council for the confidence reposed in him, the Vice Chancellor pledged transparent leadership, accountability and measurable progress. 

He urged staff, students, alumni and development partners to unite behind a shared vision of making AAUA one of the world's leading universities.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, described Professor Obamuyi's emergence as Vice Chancellor as the product of a transparent and merit-driven selection process.

He commended the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, for laying a solid foundation for the institution's growth and assured the new Vice Chancellor of the Governing Council's unwavering support in advancing the university's vision.

Also speaking, the Registrar, Dr. Olubunmi Babalola, described the inauguration as the beginning of a new era for the university, expressing confidence that the new administration would consolidate existing achievements, strengthen academic scholarship and further elevate AAUA's global reputation.

In his goodwill message, the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, congratulated his successor and appreciated members of the university community for their support throughout his administration. 

He expressed confidence in Professor Obamuyi's ability to provide visionary leadership and appealed to staff and students to extend the same cooperation to the new Vice Chancellor.