Why Ondo people are happy about Adeyemi College Varsity upgrade.

The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo CFR, has explained that the excitement, and celebration, that greeted the recent upgrade of Adeyemi College of Education, to a University of Education by the Federal Government, was meant to show gratitude to God by the people of the community, for bringing the long awaited dream to reality.

The First class traditional ruler, made the statement, while speaking at a reception held in honour of members of the institution’s Governing Council, led by the Chairman, Hon. Oluyemisi Idia Babalola, who paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday 8 February 2022, in his palace in Ondo city.

Attributing the College elevation to a University as an act of God, Oba Kiladejo also lauded the efforts of the institution’s Chairman, and other members of the Governing Council, its principal Officers as well as other stakeholders for the achievement of the feat.

While reiterating the commitment of the people of the ancient community to the development of the institution, which he described ” as the first Federal University of Education in the entire Black race, the revered traditional ruler assured that all necessary support, would be given to the institution, to enable it achieve the purpose for which it was established.

His words : ” Please be rest assured that whatever we believe in, we put our body, soul and spirit to ensure that such a thing is successful.

“In the implementation of whatever we want to do, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, will not be an exception, we would rally round you to ensure its growth”.

Earlier in her remarks, the ACE Governing Council chair, Hon. Oluyemisi Idia Babalola, expressed appreciation to Oba Kiladejo and members of Osemawe-In-Council, for their support and contributions to the actualisation of upgrade of the College to a University.

She explained that the courtesy visit by her, and other members of the institution’s Governing Council, was to felicitate with the monarch and people of Ondo Kingdom for the good news, which she described as ” the best thing to happen in the community in the year 2022.

Hon. Oluyemisi Babalola, however, expressed optimism of better days in Ondo community, saying “the change in the status of the College to a University, represent the beginning of good things to come to Ondo town”.

While soliciting for continuous support, the Governing Council chair said the move would facilitate the achievement of the institution’s set goals and objectives.

Also in his remarks, the head of the institution, who is currently the Provost, Dr. Samuel Akintunde, felicitate with the Osemawe and the people of Ondo Kingdom for witnessing the upgrade of the College to a University.

The College Chief Executive officer also expressed appreciation to all those who worked tirelessly in ensuring the realization of the dream.

His words : “We thank God for everyone that worked towards it. We also thank the Osemawe for being resilient on the issue, because he did not for once change from the fact that Adeyemi College of Education will soon become a University, even when he is alive and God has done that for him” he remarked.

The colourful event, which held at the Osemawe’s palace, featured traditional paying of homage by different chiefs holding traditional titles in accordance with seniority.

Eminent personalities present at the occasion include Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, High Chief Simeon Oguntimehin; Jomu, High Chief Ambrose Akinsade; Adaja, High Chief Solafuboye Ayodeji and Odofin, High Chief Akin Olaniyan.

Also present were traditional chiefs belonging to the Ukule, Elegbe and Ijama from various quarters in the town.

Other important dignitaries who graced the event included the institution’s Governing Council chair, Hon. Oluyemisi Idia Babalola, some members of the Council among whom were Alhaji Garba Abdullahi; Mr. Ben Chuka Eche and Mrs. J.N Akpa.

Others were His Royal Majesty, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi ; Mr. Lawrence Babatunde Aremu; Dr. Abayomi Olufemi Olajuyigbe, College Provost, Dr. Samuel Akintunde; his Deputy, Dr. Gbade Ikuejube and Registrar, Mrs. Olufisayo Fakorede.

Also on the entourage of the Governing Council chair to the palace were staff from the institution’s Council Affairs and Directorate of Information and Public Relations as well as security department.