By: Ade Adeleke
…..Ondo State remains centre of Education —former VP
Achievers University, Owo in Ondo State today conferred Honorary Doctorate Degrees on the prominent Nigerians including a former Vice President of the country, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, even as Miss Adeoye Oluwatosin Orefejesu, the 2020/2021 Best graduating student of the University carted away a sum of N185,000 she got from four awards and prizes.
Besides graduating with the best performance of 4.70 CGPA, Adeoye won the Chancellor’s prize, College Prize and Departmental prize.
Adeoye, in an interview said she was grateful for the money because she worked hard.
She said she tried to balance school politics with academics but avoided several parties.
Atiku accompanied by the PDP 2020 governorship candidate in Ondo state, Mr Eyitayo Jegede and other top PDP topshots, was decorated amidst cheers from the guests and students.
In his remark, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Samuel Aje, explained that 27 out of the 434 graduands made the First Class.
Prof. Aje noted that the school’s Governing Council has approved 50% discount tuition fees for its Engineering courses.
The VC said 280 students were currently enjoying the tuition free programmes which are available in 10 programmes including Human Physiology and Human Anatomy.
He said the 280 beneficiaries would not pay any fees for the first three years but would be made to pay fees at the fourth year.
“Achievers University did not really focus on money but to impart knowledge and encourage learning.”
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the institution, Hon Bode Ayorinde, said the focus is on delivering on projects like College of Medicine, Education and Aviation.
He stated that the student population in the institution has increased to 3000 because of the trust parents have in the school’s management.
A former Vice President of Nigeria Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Chief Adeniji Olateju Badejoko, Emeritus Oyo State Judge, Justice Abdulraheem Sule were given honorary doctorate degree.
Speaking at the occasion, former Vice President Atiku commended the vision of Dr Bode Ayorinde who founded the University.
Atiku said, “I commend Achievers University and its determined and focused Founder, Bode Ayorinde.
“When I lived and worked in this part of the country, I realized that the Ondo was the centre of education in the South West. Thankfully, this university will help to maintain that reputation while also benefitting people from other parts of the country.
“Thank you Bode (Ayorinde) for keeping the Ondo spirit and character alive. And thank you for providing this important educational alternative for these young men and women whose lives have certainly been transformed.
The former VP also laid foundation of Atiku Abubakar Hall of Residence at Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State.
