Chancellor Adegunwa Calls for Greater Investment in Education at Summit University Convocation

Chancellor Adegunwa Calls for Greater Investment in Education at Summit University Convocation

The Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, and Chairman of Rite Foods Limited, Dr. Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, OFR, has reaffirmed that strategic investment in quality education remains a vital driver of sustainable socio-economic development.

Dr. Adegunwa made the remark during the combined 5th and 6th convocation ceremony of the University, held at the Alhaja Adiat Abegbe Makanjuola Lecture Theatre.

He commended the dedication and financial contributions of stakeholders who, he said, continue to strengthen the institution’s foundation and propel its growth. He appealed to philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to support the university in its quest for long-term development.

“This event marks a key milestone for our university. It honours our graduates and celebrates our shared success. An investment in knowledge pays the best dividend,” he said. “Our dividend from this investment is not only for today; it is also for posterity. Let us join hands to lift Summit University high, open doors to quality education, and change the world for the better.”

Reflecting on the university’s achievements since he became pioneer Chancellor in December 2023, Dr. Adegunwa noted significant academic expansion, with undergraduate programmes increasing from eight to 16. He also disclosed that six academic programmes recently secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) after undergoing reaccreditation.

He praised the Governing Council, Management, and Board of Trustees for their commitment, which he said had strengthened the university’s foundation and shaped its development trajectory.

Dr. Adegunwa also highlighted major infrastructural developments carried out since the last convocation in 2023. According to him, foundations were laid for four major buildings, one of which has been completed and two nearing completion.

He expressed appreciation to donors, particularly Mosun Belo-Olusoga, for their ongoing contributions. “Your generosity is a catalyst for our progress. May Almighty Allah bless you abundantly,” he said.

The Chancellor further revealed that preparations were in progress for resource verification of the proposed College of Law and College of Health Sciences. He expressed optimism that both colleges would be fully operational by the next convocation. He also announced that the University recently received approval to operate a Campus FM Radio Station, a development he said would enhance community engagement and combat misinformation.

The convocation ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on Aderemi Muyideen Makanjuola, Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila, and a posthumous award on the late Tiamiyu Adebisi Olatinwo, among others.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu, expressed gratitude to the Chancellor for sponsoring the ongoing Senate Building project, now 30 per cent completed. He noted that the structure, upon completion, would significantly boost the institution’s academic and administrative capacity.

Prof. Aibinu announced that 319 students graduated from the university: 26 with first-class honours, 164 with second-class upper division, 108 with second-class lower division, 25 with third-class, and one with a pass. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening innovation, research, and development.