Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reiterated that education remains a critical pillar of his administration’s development strategy, stressing that sustained investment in the sector is key to securing the future of the state.
The Governor made this known at the 35th Convocation Ceremony of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), held at the institution’s permanent campus in Ago-Iwoye. The ceremony formed part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Ogun State, with Abiodun describing the university as one of the enduring legacies of the state’s golden jubilee.
Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Governor commended OOU for consistently producing skilled, innovative, and future-ready graduates, while maintaining high standards of discipline, research, and service.
He praised the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Toyin Ashiru, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Olayinka Johnson Agboola, as well as members of the Governing Council and Senate for sustaining the institution’s vision and values.
According to Abiodun, the 35th Convocation underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence, access, and relevance in national development.
He noted that his administration has adopted data-driven governance to improve transparency, strengthen outcomes, and ensure that investments across the education value chain are strategic, accountable, and measurable.
The Governor disclosed that ₦275.4 billion—about 17 per cent of the state’s ₦1.7 trillion 2026 budget—has been earmarked for education.
He explained that the allocation reflects the government’s resolve to expand access to quality education, bridge inequality gaps, and guarantee that no child is excluded from learning due to background or location.
Congratulating the graduating students, Abiodun urged them to embrace lifelong learning, critical thinking, and responsible citizenship, while serving as worthy ambassadors of OOU and Ogun State.
To further encourage academic excellence, he announced a cash award of ₦500,000 each to the 13 best graduating students across the faculties, and ₦2 million to Master Ajayi David of the Faculty of Engineering, who emerged as the overall best graduating student.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ayodeji Olayinka Agboola highlighted OOU’s growing national profile, revealing that the university is ranked 16th among 321 Nigerian universities based on academic visibility, research output, and web presence. He added that OOU ranks second only to LAUTECH among state-owned universities in the country.
Professor Agboola also lauded Governor Abiodun for positioning education as a catalyst for inclusive and transformative development, reaffirming the university’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven economy anchored on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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