The Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, has reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to advancing quality education through stronger collaboration with Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), assuring that the ongoing OSOPADEC Students' Hostel on the university campus will be completed before the end of the year.
Prince Poroye gave the assurance while receiving the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Tomola M. Obamuyi, who led the university's management team on a courtesy visit to the Commission's headquarters.
Welcoming the Vice-Chancellor, Prince Poroye congratulated Prof. Obamuyi on his appointment, describing him as a longstanding friend of the Commission who had consistently identified with OSOPADEC's programmes and developmental initiatives.
The Chairman assured the university of an even stronger relationship under the new administration, stressing that education remains one of the Commission's priorities in its efforts to improve the lives of people in the oil-producing areas of Ondo State.
Speaking on leadership and institution-building, Prince Poroye emphasized that enduring success is achieved by empowering others, encouraging teamwork and creating opportunities for people to contribute meaningfully rather than concentrating responsibilities in a few hands.
Responding to requests made by the Vice-Chancellor, the Chairman disclosed that the Commission had already taken practical steps to fast-track the completion of the AAUA Students' Hostel, expressing confidence that the project would be delivered before December.
Prince Poroye also welcomed the proposal to support outstanding students from the mandate areas, revealing that OSOPADEC is developing an expanded scholarship programme that will extend beyond undergraduate education to include professional courses and postgraduate studies for exceptional beneficiaries.
He encouraged the Vice-Chancellor to explore innovative approaches to resource mobilisation by engaging alumni, development partners and philanthropists, while also motivating members of the university's management team through effective delegation and shared responsibility.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tomola Obamuyi, expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairman and the management of OSOPADEC for the warm reception despite the short notice. He commended the Commission for its sustained investment in education, particularly the ongoing hostel project, which he described as critical to improving students' welfare.
Prof. Obamuyi appealed to the Commission to consider instituting an annual award for the best graduating students from Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas and also sought increased support for students pursuing professional courses, especially Medicine and Nursing, to produce more highly skilled professionals from the mandate communities.
The Registrar of AAUA, Dr. Grace Olubunmi Babalola in her remarks appreciated Prince Poroye, the management and staff of OSOPADEC for the warm reception and commended the Chairman's passion for educational development and institutional partnership.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of OSOPADEC, Mr. F. A. Omomowo, congratulated Prof. Obamuyi on his appointment and assured him of the Commission's full support. He also appreciated the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for appointing a capable and experienced academician to lead the university.
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