By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
The Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Tertiary Institutions has reiterated its support for Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), assuring commitment to the institution’s stability and sustainable growth.
The Committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa, member representing Okitipupa Constituency I, visited the university on a condolence and familiarisation mission. The lawmakers were warmly received by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, alongside members of the university’s management.
In his address, Hon. Ayebusiwa expressed the Assembly’s sympathy with the university community over the recent killings of students and the kidnap of a staff member. He noted that the Assembly had already conveyed its concerns to the executive and security agencies to ensure lasting solutions.
“This visit is both a condolence and a familiarisation one. We are deeply disturbed by the security breaches in Akungba, and we want to assure the university community that the Assembly will continue to work with stakeholders to strengthen safety measures. We also want to hear directly from you on issues such as ongoing industrial action, staff welfare, subvention, student wellbeing, and internally generated revenue,” Ayebusiwa said.
He assured that the House of Assembly would continue to advocate for the institution so that it remains one of the leading universities in Nigeria.
Other members of the Committee also spoke in solidarity. Hon. Raymond Daodu, representing Akoko South-West Constituency I and the Vice Chairman of the Committee, described the visit as necessary, assuring that the Assembly would continue to support AAUA in navigating its challenges.
Hon. Stephen Abitogun explained that insecurity was a national challenge but emphasised the need for practical measures to prevent recurrence. He praised the university for its academic contributions, particularly its timely inaugural lectures, and urged management to explore ways of resolving the ongoing strike so that students’ academic calendar is not disrupted.
Hon. Oluwatoyin Japhet commended the steps already taken to improve security but stressed that the host community must also take responsibility by monitoring individuals of questionable character. He called for stricter admission processes, including requiring guarantors for prospective students, and supported the idea of building more hostels on campus to reduce students’ exposure to external risks.
Hon. Tope Agbulu, representing Akoko South-West Constituency II, apologised on behalf of the host community for the recent security lapses and expressed confidence that such incidents would not reoccur. He urged the management to strengthen ties with local community leaders and security structures to enhance safety.
Earlier in his remarks, Professor Olugbenga Ige thanked the legislators for their concern, acknowledging that the institution has been under intense pressure in recent months. He recalled the killing of three students, the murder of a graduate, and the kidnap of a staff member, stressing that such tragedies were not good for the system.
The Vice Chancellor, however, disclosed that progress had been made following the intervention of security agencies, with arrests of suspects already recorded. He noted that the Commissioner of Police and the Assistant Inspector General of Police had visited the campus and reinforced security presence around the university.
He also highlighted the activities and challenges of the institution, calling for the Committee’s support to achieve its goals.
On industrial action, Professor Ige explained that the strike was internal, arising from unpaid salary arrears and inadequate subvention. He noted that the Management had earlier engaged in dialogue and appealed to staff, which enabled students to complete their session before the strike commenced.
“AAUA has maintained academic stability for the past five years, which is why the institution now attracts thousands of admission seekers. But the funding gap has put pressure on staff welfare and operations. We are hopeful for an upward review of subvention. Without this, it will be difficult to sustain the stability we are known for,” he stated.
The Vice Chancellor also called on the government to consider building hostels on campus to reduce insecurity, noting that about 99% of AAUA students currently live off-campus.
The lawmakers, in turn, pledged to table the concerns raised before the House and the Executive, stressing their statutory responsibility to support the state’s tertiary institutions.
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