Sam Philip
As people of Ondo State celebrate the 25th anniversary of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, the state governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and some personalities eulogised the first executive governor of the state, Pa Michael Adekunle Ajasin.
The State University was named after the late legend to honour him for his remarkable achievements as the governor of the state.
Pa Ajasin was the first executive governor of Old Ondo State, which comprised the present Ondo State and Ekiti State).
In his address, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Dr. Olawumi Ilawole, paid tribute to the late Chief Michael Adekunle for his leadership and dedication to democratic principles, describing him as an epitome of integrity, honesty, and selflessness who made remarkable contributions to education, politics, and nation-building.
At the opening ceremony of the first International Conference held on Monday in honour of the late Chief Ajasin, as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the University, Aiyedatiwa spoke on the theme of the conference: “Education, Politics, and Nation Building: A Reflection on the Life and Philosophy of Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin.”
He emphasised on the impact of Ajasin’s life on Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole, noting that his administration would continue to uphold the legacies of Ondo State’s founding fathers.
Aiyedatiwa said: “We are committed to sustaining these legacies, and my administration has improved teaching and learning across all levels of education.”
The governor expressed pride in the University’s achievements over the past 25 years, congratulating the management, the staff and the alumni for consistently upholding academic excellence and making outstanding contributions to various professional fields.
Likewise, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa, a chieftain of Afenifere, a Pan Yoruba socio-cultural organization, spoke passionately about the late sage’s enduring legacies, particularly on his commitment to free education, “a principle he pursued out of genuine belief in the value of education.”
He emphasised that the free education policy introduced and implemented by Pa Ajasin was not a populist move, but was rooted in the belief that a sound mind in a sound body was essential for a progressive society.
Drawing inference from the memoir of the late sage, Bashorun Arogbofa said: “According to Chief Ajasin in his memoirs, the free education at all levels scheme was not designed as a mere populist programme aimed at luring or deceiving the people to vote for us. Rather, it was based on the familiar principle of a sound mind in a sound body.”
The Afenifere chieftain took time to reel out Chief Ajasin’s pioneering role in education, stating that “he was the longest-serving executive connected with free education in Nigeria, first implemented it in the Western Region and later expanded it across all educational levels in Ondo State.
“The Adekunle Ajasin free education policy provided affordable education to millions of Nigerian children at the primary level and to thousands more at the post-secondary and tertiary levels.”
Giving more expose on the ubiquitous leadership prowess of the late legend, Bashorun Arogbofa said: “Beyond education, Pa Ajasin’s legacies in economic development through industries such as the Okitipupa Oil Palm Industry, Ondo Plywood Industry, Ile-Oluji Cocoa Industry, Ifon Ceramic Industry, Iree Burnt Bricks Industry, Iree-Ekiti, Owena Bank in Akure and others, laid the groundwork for industrial growth in the state. These legacies, remain a benchmark for all leaders who aspire to serve with vision and purpose.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, while presenting his address, reaffirmed the varsity’s dedication to the founding mission of self-reliance and service to humanity.
He said: “Our commitment to first-class research, knowledge creation, character development, and service to humanity remains unwavering.
We are celebrating the 25th anniversary as a testament to the University’s legacy of academic excellence and societal impact.”
Prof. Ige described the silver jubilee celebration of the varsity as a great milestone of quarter-century of commitment to academic excellence, character building, and societal impact.
He added that the celebration was a reflection of the University’s dedication to commemorating its achievements, reflecting on its rich history, and engaging closely with its cherished community.
The Vice Chancellor described the late Pa Ajasin as a visionary leader whose life and times have impacted many lives in the country.
“Named in his honour, our University stands as a testament to his passion for education and his indelible impact on the state and the nation at large.
“Pa Ajasin was a visionary leader and an ardent advocate of education, believing deeply in its power to shape societies and to foster progress,” Prof. Ige said.
Appreciating the Governor, the Vice Chancellor said: “Allow me to offer my sincere gratitude to the chairman on this occasion, the Visitor to the University, and Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his staunch support and for gracing us with his presence.
“Your backings to this University and your ongoing support are invaluable to us, and we look forward to even greater strides under your leadership.”
Prof. Ige further appreciated members of the Local Organizing Committee, led by Dr. Olusanya Faboyede, Acting Head of the Department of History and International Studies, for their hard work in organizing the event.
Moreover, there were goodwill messages from representatives of the Ajasin family, including Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose (née Ajasin) and Chief Tokunbo Ajasin, as well as lead paper presentations by Prof. Victor Edo and Dr. N. H. Iwu.