Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reiterated that education remains a vital pillar of the developmental agenda of his administration, stressing that sustained investment in the sector is essential to securing the future of the state.
The Governor made this known at the 35th Convocation Ceremony of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, held at the institution’s permanent site.
He noted that the convocation was particularly significant as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of Ogun State, describing the university as one of the enduring legacies of that historic milestone and a clear reflection of the foresight that placed education at the centre of the state’s development.
Governor Abiodun, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, stated that Olabisi Onabanjo University has continued to stand out as a leading institution committed to producing competent, innovative and future-ready graduates for Ogun State and Nigeria.
He added that the university has consistently upheld high standards of discipline, innovation and service, efforts which the state government deeply appreciates.
“I commend the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Toyin Ashiru; the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Olayinka Johnson Agboola; members of the Governing Council and Senate, as well as the staff and students of this university, for sustaining the ideals upon which Olabisi Onabanjo University was founded.
The university continues to uphold standards of discipline, innovation and service, and the Ogun State Government remains appreciative of these efforts,” he said.
According to the Governor, the 35th convocation of Olabisi Onabanjo University celebrates academic excellence, access and institutional relevance, reflecting the university’s rising academic standards and the dedication of its faculty and students.
He explained that his administration’s policies are driven by evidence and impact, noting that by placing reliable data at the centre of decision-making, the government has enhanced transparency, improved outcomes and ensured that every intervention across the education value chain is strategic and measurable.
Governor Abiodun added that his commitment to education is clearly demonstrated in the scale of investment in the sector. He revealed that in the current fiscal year alone, ₦275.40 billion was allocated to education, representing 17 per cent of the state’s ₦1.7 trillion budget.
According to him, this allocation reflects the administration’s determination to expand access to quality education, reduce inequality and ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of background or location.
Congratulating the graduating students on achieving the notable milestone, the Governor urged them to continue learning, asking questions and conducting themselves as worthy ambassadors of the university. He stressed that knowledge, character and discipline would always set them apart, while reaffirming his administration’s resolve to continue investing boldly, innovating fearlessly and supporting educational institutions, teachers and learners without hesitation.
While applauding the Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and the entire Olabisi Onabanjo University community for the successful hosting of the 35th convocation ceremony, Governor Abiodun announced a cash donation of ₦500,000 each to the 13 best graduating students across the various faculties of the university.
He also announced a cash donation of ₦2,000,000 to Master Ajayi David of the Faculty of Engineering, who emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Ayodeji Olayinka Agboola, said Olabisi Onabanjo University has a proud tradition of excellence, expressing delight that the university continues to record remarkable milestones that further strengthen its standing as one of the leading state-owned universities in Nigeria.
According to him, Olabisi Onabanjo University currently ranks 16th in the latest Webometrics Ranking of Nigerian universities, out of a total of 321 institutions assessed based on academic visibility, research output and web presence.
He added that the university ranks second among state-owned universities, behind only LAUTECH.
Professor Agboola extended special appreciation to the Governor and Visitor to the University, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the priority his administration continues to accord education in the state, describing it as a catalyst for holistic and transformative development.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing a knowledge-driven economy anchored on innovation, digital transformation and sustainable development, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
