Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has challenged the management of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University (Tech-U), Ibadan, to fully harness its strategic location within an emerging industrial corridor along the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The governor said the institution’s location offers significant opportunities for strong industry–academia collaboration, especially with ongoing development along the Ibadan Circular Road, stressing the need for partnerships that will deliver research-based solutions for Oyo State and the country.
Makinde gave the charge at the weekend while delivering his remarks as Visitor to the institution during its 5th convocation ceremony held at the University Library Hall.
According to The Nation, a total of 183 students graduated at the ceremony, with 50 earning First Class Honours across various departments.
Represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, the governor described Tech-U, designed to “develop the brain and train the hands,” as uniquely positioned to drive skills development, technology transfer and innovation in the state.
He said universities across the world are recognised as centres of knowledge, innovation and societal progress, adding that Tech-U has the capacity to lead problem-solving research, entrepreneurship and industrial development.
Makinde noted that his administration has prioritised higher education in its development blueprint, citing steady funding of state-owned institutions, expansion of physical infrastructure and strengthening of academic programmes.
He added that institutions such as Emmanuel Alayande University of Education and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, have benefited from major facility upgrades, alongside government support for research and innovation through grants and partnerships.
The governor further said his administration has focused on technology, skills and workforce development by expanding digital literacy through ICT centres and teacher training programmes.
He explained that technical and vocational institutions have been revitalised to provide middle-level manpower, while initiatives such as the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Programme have created a pipeline of skilled graduates for agritech and agro-processing industries.
Speaking on the specific support to Abiola Ajimobi Technical University (Tech-U), the governor said the government is sustaining the ALGON Scholarship Programme, allocating a primary health center to serve the university community, and enhancing campus security.
He added that the inclusion of Tech-U in the 2026 State Budget for subvention marks a new phase in the government’s support strategy, with plans for more targeted investments to strengthen the university and ensure a sustainable future.
Congratulating the graduands, he urged them to “Be curious; courageous, law abiding, embrace challenges; pursue excellence relentlessly; and above all, use your knowledge and good character to impact the world positively. Oyo State and Nigeria look forward to your contributions as innovators, builders, creators, and leaders of tomorrow.”
Speaking earlier, the Chancellor, Dr. Tunde Afolabi, expressed gratitude to the Visitor for his unwavering support to the university. He acknowledged the government’s reforms in education and strategic interventions in the university, including strengthened security, infrastructure development, and anticipated integration into the 2026 State Budget for subvention.
The Chancellor thanked the Governing Council, ALGON, host communities, and donors for their contributions to the university’s growth.
He congratulated the 183 graduands, noting that they have earned degrees in their respective fields, as well as diplomas in French and entrepreneurship, equipping them to be versatile and globally prepared. He advised the graduands to remember that the world rewards competence, creativity, and character, and urged them to carry the university’s name with dignity, solve problems, and create value.
Also in his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan expressed the university’s readiness to partner with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja in driving industrialization, investment, and growth in Ibadanland.
He highlighted the Governing Council’s achievements since April 2025, including successful convocation ceremonies, accreditation of programs, and expansion of academic offerings. He commended the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Management team for their leadership and commitment to excellence.
To the graduands, he advised them to stay focused, keep learning, and solve problems, noting that the world awaits their ideas, courage, and excellence.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Adesola Ajayi advised the graduands to carry forward the spirit of excellence and integrity, remain adaptable, innovative, and courageous, and live a life of purpose and impact, reminding them that their education is a privilege that carries with it a responsibility to add value to their community, uplift others, and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the nation and the world.
He further encouraged them to stay connected to their alma mater, continue learning, and uphold the ideals that have shaped them.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the challenges facing the university, including inadequate physical infrastructure, insufficient funding for research and innovation, shortage of senior academic staff, limited student hostels and social amenities, and the need for strengthened digital and technological infrastructure.
He appealed to the government for support, including dedicated capital project intervention, special funding for research infrastructure, support for student hostel development, provision of sustainable digital infrastructure, and a more stable funding framework to ensure institutional stability and long-term sustainability.
