By HeapNews
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring adequate funding for all government-owned tertiary institutions in the state.
Speaking at the 3rd Convocation Ceremony of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa on Tuesday, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured the academic community of his government’s dedication to education and infrastructural development.
“As we gather here to commemorate the remarkable achievements of our graduating students, I want to assure you that our government remains focused on transforming the education sector. OAUSTECH stands as a testament to our collective aspirations for academic excellence and intellectual advancement,” he stated.
The Governor highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving the institution, including the completion of the Maritime Transport and Logistics Academy at Ugbonla, the rapid completion of abandoned hostels under the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), and ongoing discussions with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to complete its stalled hostel project.
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Recognizing the university’s crucial role in Marine and Blue Economy studies, Aiyedatiwa linked OAUSTECH’s growth to the state’s ambitious plans to construct a deep-sea port, a project expected to drive economic development.
“I am particularly pleased with the institution’s rapid growth, from just 400 students in the 2020/2021 session to 2,800 in the 2024/2025 session,” he noted, commending the university’s management, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Temi Emmanuel Ologunorisa.
The Governor also celebrated two faculty members for their global and national academic achievements. He lauded Dr. Bartholomew Adeleke, recently ranked among the top two percent of scientists worldwide by Elsevier and Stanford University, and Dr. Alaba Joseph Adebayo, winner of the 2025 Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences (NSPS) Best PhD Thesis Prize in Chemistry.
Addressing the 995 graduating students, 31 of whom earned First Class honors, Aiyedatiwa urged them to embrace lifelong learning, innovation, and excellence in their future endeavors.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ologunorisa expressed gratitude for the Governor’s unwavering support and pledged that the university would continue to build on its academic successes.