Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has pledged to complete several abandoned projects at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa.

The governor made the promise during the university’s 9th convocation ceremony, where 1,452 students graduated across different academic programmes.

He said completing the stalled projects would improve the learning environment and strengthen higher education in the state.

Why the promise matters

Across many Nigerian universities, unfinished infrastructure projects have become a major challenge.

Buildings started by previous administrations are often left incomplete due to funding shortages or policy changes.

At OAUSTECH, several major projects have remained unfinished for years.

They include the School of Science building, School of ICT building, and students’ hostels funded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who is the Visitor to the university, was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa.

“I am proud to announce that we will complete the outstanding abandoned projects by OSOPADEC and NDDC, including the School of Science Building, ICT building, and road projects started by the previous administrations,” the governor said.

“These projects will further enhance the learning environment and contribute to the overall development of the university.”

Link to Ondo’s development agenda

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the commitment aligns with his administration’s EASE agenda, which focuses on Education, Security, Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and Infrastructure Development.

He also said the government would strengthen collaboration between the university and surrounding communities.

According to him, such cooperation could help Ondo State tap into the opportunities of the blue economy, particularly in coastal communities.

“Our EASE agenda… is a testament to our commitment to building a better Ondo State,” he said.

Vice-Chancellor highlights growth

The Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH, Temi Ologunorisa, said the university had recorded major growth in recent years despite infrastructural challenges.

He explained that the institution had expanded both academically and in student population.

The number of faculties increased from three to seven, while student enrolment rose from about 5,000 to nearly 12,000 within five years.

Prof Ologunorisa also highlighted new programmes introduced by the university.

These include BSc Cyber Security, BSc Marine Science, BSc Meteorology, as well as postgraduate programmes in Engineering and Engineering Technology.

“The education you have received here has equipped you not only with knowledge and skills, but also with values of excellence, integrity and services,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

“As you step into the world, remember that the future belongs to those who dare to dream and act on their dreams.”

Graduation highlights

The university said 1,452 students graduated during the 2024/2025 academic session.

The breakdown includes:

50 First Class graduates

594 Second Class Upper Division

691 Second Class Lower Division

115 Third Class graduates

The overall best graduating student was Wale Isiah Agboola from the Electrical and Electronics Department with a CGPA of 4.90.

Dominion Oyindamola Akinwunmi from the Computer Science Department emerged the best female graduating student, with a CGPA of 4.89.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced that Oluwaseun Adesina Olukoya became the first PhD graduate produced by the university, earning a doctorate in Mathematics (Complex Analysis).

What the governor told graduates

Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated the graduating students and urged them to make meaningful contributions to society.

He said their education should be used to drive progress and development.

“I charge you to be ambassadors of our University, to uphold its values and to strive for excellence in all that you do,” he said.

Ceremony and recognition

The convocation ceremony attracted politicians, academics, traditional rulers, industry leaders, students and parents.

Prizes and cash rewards were presented to outstanding graduates, particularly those who achieved First Class honours.

Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) has graduated 1,452 students for the 2024/2025 academic session, including 50 First Class graduates, during its 9th convocation ceremony.

The Vice-Chancellor, Temi Ologunorisa, said the graduating class included 594 students with Second Class Upper, 691 with Second Class Lower, and 115 with Third Class honours.

He also confirmed that the university produced its first PhD graduate, from the Department of Mathematics.

The overall best graduating student, Mr Agboola Wale Isiah from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, graduated with a CGPA of 4.90.

Why It Matters

University authorities say the convocation reflects rapid institutional growth in recent years.

According to Prof Ologunorisa, student population increased from fewer than 5,000 in 2022 to about 12,000.

He added that the institution admitted about 4,500 new students for the 2025/2026 academic session, the highest in its history.

“Through all these and more we were able to rebrand and reposition the University in all ramifications and have consistently gaining parents and public confidence over the years,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor said the university has also expanded its academic structure from three faculties to seven, while introducing new programmes and strengthening international partnerships.

Research Breakthroughs and Global Recognition

The university said some of its lecturers have gained global recognition for their research.

Several academics from the institution have been ranked among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier.

Among them are Dr Adeleke Bartholomew Saanu of the School of Science and Dr Akinyele Daniel Oluwaseun of the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

Prof Ologunorisa also highlighted a medical innovation by Dr Cecilia Oluwamodupe, Acting Director of Academic Planning.

According to the university, she developed a medicine called “Fix It,” which boosts the immune system and treats impotence.

The Vice-Chancellor said the medicine has already been patented by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Government Support

Prof Ologunorisa commended the governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for supporting the institution.

He said the restoration of electricity to the Southern Senatorial District has improved power supply to the university.

“I assure you that all our programmes in the University are fully accredited. The days of interim accreditation for some programmes are gone.”

Blue Economy and Maritime Education

The Vice-Chancellor also linked the university’s future development to the blue economy, an emerging sector focused on ocean resources.

He said OAUSTECH plans to establish a School of Maritime Transport and Logistics.

The proposed programmes include:

BSc Port Management

BSc Maritime Transport and Logistics

BSc Maritime Economics and Finance

The move comes as Ondo State pushes ahead with plans to build a seaport in Ilaje Local Government Area.

University officials say the institution’s coastal location gives it an advantage for maritime research and training.

Convocation Lecture

The convocation lecture was delivered by Andrew Spencer, President of the Caribbean Maritime University in Jamaica.

His lecture, titled “Strategies for Developing Blue Economy: Lessons from the Caribbean,” explored how maritime resources can drive economic growth and employment.

National Education Policy

The Vice-Chancellor also praised Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing the NELFund student loan programme.

He described the initiative as one of the most impactful policies aimed at expanding access to higher education in Nigeria.

Industry Reaction

Education analysts say Nigeria’s growing university enrolment reflects increasing demand for tertiary education.

However, they warn that funding, research infrastructure and graduate employment opportunities remain critical challenges.

Experts say programmes linked to the maritime sector and blue economy could create new career opportunities for graduates if properly implemented.

What’s Next

University authorities say the institution will focus on expanding postgraduate programmes, strengthening research output, and developing maritime education.

They also hope new infrastructure projects, including the proposed Ondo State seaport, will boost academic collaboration and economic development in the region.

Segilola Resources Operating Limited has commissioned a new primary school and launched youth empowerment initiatives in its host communities in Osun State.

The company, a subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd., operates Nigeria’s first commercial gold mine.

It says the projects are part of its long-term community development strategy.

A new school for Imogbara

The Imogbara Primary School was inaugurated on 25 February.

The project includes new classroom blocks, an administrative office, a staff room, and furniture for pupils and teachers.

Company officials say the goal is to create a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Austin Menegbo, Country Manager of Segilola Resources, said primary education remains critical to long-term development.

“Primary education is the foundation that shapes young minds and sets children on the path to lifelong learning. Beyond expanding access to quality education in the Imogbara community, this project also created employment opportunities during construction, contributing to local economic growth. We believe this school will not only inspire children to dream bigger, but also improve lives across the community.”

Why it matters

Osun State hosts several mining operations, but local communities often raise concerns about whether they benefit directly from resource extraction.

Community development projects such as schools and vocational training are increasingly seen as measures of responsible mining.

Youth empowerment and safety drive

On 26 February, the company rolled out several youth-focused programmes.

Through its Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP), 17 young people from Iperindo, Odo-Ijesha, and Imogbara received vocational training.

The training covered barbing, hairdressing, tailoring, aluminium fabrication, carpentry, and cocoa merchanting.

The Teacher’s Initiative Programme also provided learning resources across primary and secondary subjects, including Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, and Government.

Safety awareness was another focus.

The Health, Safety and Environment Sustainability Programme trained young people on fire emergency response and road safety practices.

Officials from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Ilesha Command led sessions under the Youth Safety Education (YES) Programme.

They educated pupils on traffic rules, zebra crossings, speed limits, and civic responsibility.

Company perspective

Madhurii Sarkar Amoda, Community Development and Stakeholder Manager at Segilola Resources, said the programmes aim to connect opportunity with potential.

“We are always on the move to find and deliver projects that can directly impact the growth and development of our host communities. These initiatives bridge the gap between youth potential and opportunity while also equipping them for future progress and success.”

What’s next?

Community members say they hope the programmes will continue beyond a single launch phase.

For residents of Imogbara, Iperindo and Odo-Ijesha, the expectation is clear: sustained investment, measurable outcomes, and visible impact.

For Segilola Resources, the projects represent an effort to show that mining can create value both underground and above it.