The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Tomola Obamuyi, has held a thanksgiving service to express gratitude to God and the Visitor to the Institution, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa following his appointment as the seventh substantive Vice Chancellor of the state-owned citadel.
He used the occasion to call on the Visitor to write his name in gold in the history of the state-owned institution by building and donating a modern and comfortable Convocation auditorium for the university.
In his homily, the General Overseer of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Archbishop Francis Wale Oke harped on the importance of constant thanksgiving and appreciation both to God and to man.
He urged the Vice Chancellor and those in positions of authority to rule with fairness and justice with the understanding that God is the final authority over all things.
The glamorous and well-attended thanksgiving service, held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Glory Cathedral Church, Oba-Ile, Akure, brought together prominent personalities, including former Vice Chancellors of the university, the VCs of other institutions, government representatives, religious and traditional rulers, members of the academia, as well as staff and students.
Speaking during the service, Prof. Obamuyi expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ondo State and Visitor to the University for the appointment and for several supports and interventions towards stabilising the university, particularly in the face of recent challenges affecting its operations.
The VC also commended the staff unions and the Students' body for their understanding, cooperation and support since he assumed office, noting that their collective commitment remained essential to the institution's continued growth and development.
Prof. Obamuyi reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ensuring a stable academic calendar, stressing the importance of industrial harmony and an enabling environment for teaching, learning and research.
He consequently appealed for ceaseless prayers for the university, its management, and staff and students, emphasising the importance of divine guidance in the pursuit of institutional excellence.
In his appeal to Governor Aiyedatiwa to facilitate the construction of a befitting convocation auditorium for the university, the VC said the current one being used has become old and inadequate to accommodate the growing number of students of the rapidly expanding institution.
He proposed that the facility would be named after the governor and the Visitor to the university, in recognition of the state government's support for the institution.
Earlier, the Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology and a former VC of the University, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, assured the University of the State Government's continued support at all times.
Prof. Ajibefun, conveying the governor's message, stated that the Aiyedatiwa administration remained committed to supporting Adekunle Ajasin University and other state-owned tertiary institutions across Ondo State.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed the confidence that AAUA would continue to record progress under Prof. Obamuyi's leadership. He also urged members of staff to remain dedicated to their duties, uphold the institution's reputation and give the necessary cooperation to achieve his administration's objectives.
He underscored the importance of collaboration between the university management, staff and government in advancing the institution's academic and infrastructural development.
The thanksgiving service was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Hon. Justice Olusegun Odusola; the Accountant-General of Ondo State, Mr. Olusegun Orisabinone; a former Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale; and the Chairman, Akoko SW LGA, Hon. Ayorinde Ajana.
Also present were the Kalasuwe of Apoi, Oba (Prof.) Adejimola Amuseghan; the Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Oba Mofolorunso Adegboyega; the Orungoruwa of Erinje, Oba Oladele Akinmoye; and the Arapanata of Itebu-Kumi, Oba (Prof.) Aderibigbe Stephen. Also at the event were three former Vice Chancellors of the university – Profs Femi Mimiko, Ajibefun, and Olugbenga Ige-- and the VC of FUTA, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, as well as heads of other sister institutions.
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