Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, has taken a bold step to reinforce its academic strength and reward merit as the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, announced that 32 first-class graduates will be offered automatic employment as graduate assistants. The announcement comes as part of activities marking the institution’s 2025/2026 convocation ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor revealed that out of a total of 5,799 students who completed various programmes during the academic session, 32 emerged with first-class honours. These exceptional graduates, he said, will be given the opportunity to begin their academic careers at AAUA—should they choose to do so after completing their mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Prof. Ige emphasized that this gesture aligns with the university’s long-standing policy of retaining its best products in order to sustain academic quality and nurture homegrown intellectual talent.
“The university has a policy to give automatic employment to its best graduates. So, the 32 First Class graduates can get the opportunity, if they are willing, after their NYSC programme,” he said.
Breakdown of Graduating Students
Of the 5,251 undergraduate students, the Vice-Chancellor provided the following classification:
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32 – First Class
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1,444 – Second Class (Upper Division)
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3,177 – Second Class (Lower Division)
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582 – Third Class
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16 – Pass
The graduating cohort also includes 526 postgraduate students, among whom 32 earned PhD degrees, 492 earned master’s degrees, and 2 will receive postgraduate diplomas.
Convocation Highlights
Ahead of the convocation, Prof. Ige announced that the convocation lecture would be delivered by former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, on Wednesday. The event is particularly significant as it marks Prof. Ige’s final convocation ceremony as AAUA’s Vice-Chancellor.
Sustained Excellence and Institutional Growth
Prof. Ige highlighted AAUA’s remarkable achievement of maintaining 100 per cent accreditation for all its academic programmes from the National Universities Commission (NUC), noting that this feat reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to quality education.
He added that his administration has prioritised continuous staff training and professional development, ensuring that lecturers remain up-to-date with global academic standards and pedagogical practices.
“My administration has continued to safeguard the integrity of the university’s academic programmes in line with its vision to be a foremost institution that drives manpower development through self-apprenticeship and research,” he said.
Despite the financial challenges confronting Nigeria’s education sector, the VC noted that AAUA has recorded significant progress in infrastructural development, further enhancing the learning environment for students and staff.
Appreciation to Staff and Stakeholders
Prof. Ige also expressed profound appreciation to the university’s staff unions for their support, cooperation, and steadfast commitment, especially during challenging periods. Their unity, he said, has been crucial in maintaining a harmonious academic environment and ensuring the smooth running of the institution.
A Commitment to the Future
With the decision to offer lecturing jobs to its 32 first-class graduates, AAUA continues to demonstrate its dedication to academic excellence, talent development, and institutional sustainability. The initiative not only celebrates merit but also inspires current and future students to strive for distinction, knowing that excellence is recognised and rewarded.
As the university prepares for its convocation, the atmosphere is one of pride, achievement, and renewed commitment to shaping future leaders through quality education and research.