Samuel Akintunde, the acting vice chancellor of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo State, has disclosed how the university is spending over N26million monthly on electricity.
Akintunde, who disclosed this on Monday at a press conference, convened to formally announce the 61st Foundation Day and the 35th Convocation Ceremony of the university said that funding was the major challenge the university was facing.
“We paid about 26million naira for electricity, that is aside from the amount we expend on the monthly basis on diesel. We used 5000 litres of diesel within two weeks, so we have the problem of funding,” he said.
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According to him, “the 35th convocation ceremony is scheduled to hold from Thursday 22, to Friday 23 May, 2025 with a series of activities including a convocation lecture titled; “The advent of artificial intelligence and the future of Nigeria tertiary education”, and to be delivered by Prof. Toyin Falola, a Professor of African Studies at the University of Texas in Austin, USA.
“The Award of Honorary Doctor (Honia Causa) Diplomas, NCE and Degrees, Prize-Giving Ceremony, presentation of other awards will take place on Friday 23rd, May 2025.
“It is important to note that three outstanding Nigerians are to be awarded Honorary Doctorate Degrees at the event. They are the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, Oba (Dr) Victor Kiladejo, the Osemawe and paramount ruler of Ondo kingdom and Prof. Toyin Falola, a Professor of African Studies at the University of Texas in Austin, USA.
“The alumni foundation day lecture will be delivered on Wednesday 21st, May by a distinguished alumnus, Mr. Adebayo Adenipekun SAN, on Saturday 24th May, the grand-finale of alumni activities will hold at the alumni hall, where the alumni national convention will hold.”
The don, who also spoke on the achievements the university has made since he became the acting VC said the university has remained a leading institution in teacher education, academic research, and community development.
Akintunde maintained that over the years, the university has produced thousands of graduates who have excelled in various fields, contributing to national and global development.
On the community impact, the acting VC said through various outreach programmes, the university has contributed immensely to the development of Ondo community, Ondo State and Nigeria at large, particularly in impacting the health needs of the community by giving immunization services free of charge.
“We have prioritized the welfare of both staff and students through improved working conditions, scholarship and support for research grants in spite of funding challenges.
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“Enhanced security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of our students and staff within and around the campus.
“As we prepare to celebrate our graduating student, we remain committed to the vision of making AFUED a world-class institution for teacher education and research. We are optimistic about the future and will continue to pursue excellence in all areas of our operations.
“We are expecting the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) of N68,316,200 with 995 students who have applied for it,” he added.
Akintunde, who said about 6 sets of students would be graduating on the convocation day, however, said the institution has zero tolerance for indiscipline and social vices among the students of the university.
