The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to complete long-abandoned infrastructure projects at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa. He made this pledge on Wednesday at the institution’s 9th convocation ceremony. Aiyedatiwa, the Visitor to the university, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Segun Omojuwa.
The ceremony attracted politicians, academicians, traditional rulers, and well-wishers. In total, 1,452 students graduated for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Governor’s Commitment to Completing Abandoned Projects
Several key infrastructure projects have remained uncompleted at OAUSTECH for years. These include student hostels funded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC). Additionally, the School of Management Sciences building, an ICT centre, and road projects are among the abandoned works littering the campus.
However, the governor moved swiftly to assure the university community that change is coming. In his address, Aiyedatiwa declared:
“I am proud to announce that we will complete the outstanding abandoned projects by OSOPADEC and NDDC, including the School of Science Building, ICT building, and road projects started by the last administration. These projects will further enhance the learning environment and contribute to the overall development of the university.”
Furthermore, Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to qualitative and infrastructural education development. He also pledged to support the university in bridging the gap between town and gown relationships. According to him, this collaboration would help tap into the vast potential of the Blue Economy.
He outlined his governing blueprint, adding: “Our EASE agenda, which emphasises Education, Security, Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, and Infrastructure Development, is a testament to our commitment to building a better Ondo State.”
Vice-Chancellor’s Achievements and Institutional Growth
The governor equally commended Vice-Chancellor Prof. Temi Ologunorisa for his transformative leadership. Under Ologunorisa, the number of schools within the institution grew from three to seven. Remarkably, student population also surged from 5,000 to 12,000.
Beyond that, the vice-chancellor prioritised staff welfare and introduced innovative programmes. These include BSc Cyber Security, BSc Marine Science, and BSc Meteorology. He also launched higher degrees in Engineering and Engineering Technology, further strengthening the university’s academic standing.
Meanwhile, Ologunorisa acknowledged the institution’s infrastructural struggles in his own address. He noted that abandoned projects had long hindered the university’s development. Nevertheless, he urged graduating students to press forward:
“The education you have received here has equip you not only with knowledge and skills but also with values of excellence, integrity and services. As you step into the world, remember that the future belongs to those who dare to dream and act on their dreams. Be ambassadors of OAUSTECH, be agents of positive change, and be leaders that our nation and world need.”
Academic Excellence: Graduation Highlights and Top Performers
The 9th convocation was a celebration of hard work and outstanding achievement. Of the 1,452 graduates, 50 earned First Class honours. Additionally, 594 graduated with Second Class Upper Division, while 691 obtained Second Class Lower Division. A further 115 students finished with Third Class Division.
Standing out among all graduates, Wale Isiah-Agboola of the Electrical/Electronics Department emerged Best Graduating Student (Male) with a CGPA of 4.9. Similarly, Dominion Oyindamola-Akinwunmi of the Computer Science Department claimed the female equivalent with a CGPA of 4.89.
Perhaps most notably, Mr. Oluwaseun Adesina-Olukoya made history as the institution’s first-ever PhD graduate. He earned his doctorate in Mathematics, specifically in Complex Analysis; a proud new chapter for OAUSTECH.
As a fitting close, awards and cash rewards were presented to First Class graduates and top-performing students. The governor’s final charge to the new alumni was direct: “I charge you to be ambassadors of our university, to uphold its values, and to strive for excellence in all that you do.”
With renewed government commitment and a growing academic profile, OAUSTECH appears poised for a transformative new era.