By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development of the educational sector of the State.

The Governor made this emphasis at the grand finale of the 34th and 35th Convocation ceremonies of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, on Saturday.

According to the Governor, “Our administration in the last four years has demonstrated great commitment to the development of education. We prioritise the welfare of the State-owned tertiary, secondary and primary institutions in terms of budgetary provisions, regular salaries and financial interventions in their critical needs with a view to promoting academic excellence. We shall do much more in the coming years”.

“In the years ahead, we shall continue to look forward to the University Community for all-round collaboration in the onerous task of building a more virile and prosperous Ondo State. On our part as a government, we urge you to count on our administration to continue to provide an enabling atmosphere required for flourishing academic development, innovation, enterprise and knowledge.

“We share a collective vision and mission towards nation-building in support of the RENEWED HOPE Agenda of the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We call on you also for your continued support in our efforts to emplace our new development agenda of O’ DATIWA, O’ DIRORUN, literally meaning “OUR EASE’; an acronymn which encaspulates the vision of our administration for Ondo State from 2025”.

He commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, Chairman and Members of the Governing Council and the Management and Staff of the institution for their doggedness in the task of promoting educational development and for their tireless efforts in shaping the minds of the future generations.

“Your commitment to excellence is evident in the caliber of graduates this University had always produced, including those we are celebrating today. You have transformed FUTA to a world-class institution with groundbreaking records in research and technological innovations, apart from regularly churning out quality graduates who have been making impacts in various fields of endeavours in Nigeria and all over the world.

While congratulating the graduands, the Governor said it is time to showcase the power of knowledge and creativity which their have acquired over the years for the benefit of the larger society.

“We urge you to be good ambassadors and uphold the virtues of integrity, hardwork and resilience which this great institution has inculcated in you. As you go forth, remember that education is a powerful tool for transformation. You must use your knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in your communities and our great country”.

He also celebrated all the parents and guardians for their incredible support to their wards and for their immense contributions to the development of the University.

During the event, the university conferred postgraduate diploma, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees on 1,280 graduands: PGD 344, Master’s 756, and PhD 180.