Governor of Ondo State and Visitor to Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has paid tribute to the late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, for his leadership and dedication to democratic principles.
Pa Ajasin was the first Executive Governor of Ondo State,
Aiyedatiwa who gave the remarks on Monday, November 4, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the first International Conference held in honour of Chief Ajasin, as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the University, described him as an epitome of integrity, honesty, and selflessness who made remarkable contributions to education, politics, and nation-building.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Dr. Olawumi Ilawole, Gov. Aiyedatiwa addressed the theme of the conference, Education, Politics, and Nation Building: A Reflection on the Life and Philosophy of Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, emphasising the impact of Ajasins life on Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole, noting that his administration would continue to uphold the legacies of Ondo States founding fathers.
We are committed to sustaining these legacies, the governor stated, adding that his administration has improved teaching and learning across all levels of education. He cited government intervention programmes that focus on human capital and infrastructural development, aiming to enhance education standards and ensure better facilities for students and educators.
Gov. Aiyedatiwa expressed pride in the Universitys achievements over the past 25 years, congratulating its management, staff, and alumni for consistently upholding academic excellence and making outstanding contributions to various professional fields.
In his keynote address, Yoruba socio-cultural leader and elder statesman, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, OFR, spoke passionately about Chief Ajasins enduring commitment to free education, a principle he pursued out of genuine belief in the value of education.
Arogbofa emphasized that Ajasins free education policy 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.
He noted, 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.
He further detailed Chief Ajasins 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, Arogbofa noted.
Beyond education, Arogbofa highlighted Ajasins legacy in economic development through industries such as the Okitipupa Oil Palm Industry, Ondo Plywood Industry, Ile-Oluji Cocoa Industry, Ifon Ceramic Industry, Iree Block Industry, Iree-Ekiti, Owena Bank in Akure and others, which laid the groundwork for industrial growth in the state. These legacies, he asserted, remain a benchmark for all leaders who aspire to serve with vision and purpose.
The Vice Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, reaffirmed the Universitys dedication to the founding mission of self-reliance and service to humanity. Our commitment to first-class research, knowledge creation, character development, and service to humanity remains unwavering, he said, celebrating the 25th anniversary as a testament to the Universitys legacy of academic excellence and societal impact.
Prof. Ige noted the silver jubilee celebration as a great milestone of quarter-century of commitment to academic excellence, character building, and societal impact, adding the celebration was a reflection of the Universitys dedication to commemorating its achievements, reflecting on its rich history, and engaging closely with its cherished community.
He revealed that late Ajasin was 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.
The VC, while thanking the Governor, 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 thanked 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.
The conference featured 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. Plenary sessions by conference participants followed, offering diverse perspectives on the conferences theme and Chief Ajasins enduring impact on education and governance in Nigeria.
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