Ondo Commissioner: Universities Must Prove Relevance, Not Just Graduate Numbers
Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has urged Nigerian universities to focus on relevance and sustainability, saying institutions will now be judged by impact, not enrolment figures.
“A university will no longer be measured by the number of graduates it produces, but by the quality of teaching, relevance of research, graduate employability, communal impact, and contribution to sustainable development,” he said.
Prof. Ajibefun gave the charge on Wednesday, 10th June, 2026, while delivering the 2nd School Lecture Series of the School of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, SAFNR, at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, OAUSTECH, Okitipupa.
He spoke on “Strategic Pathways to a Sustainable Environment for Teaching, Learning, Research and Community Service in a Growing University.” He was represented by Dr. Adewale Olutumise, Senior Lecturer, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA.
The former AAUA Vice-Chancellor said growth brings both opportunity and pressure.
“As student population increases, facilities must expand. As new programmes are introduced, more qualified staff must be recruited. As research expectations rise, laboratories, farms, libraries, and digital infrastructure must be strengthened. As society gets more complex, the university must become more responsive,” he stated.
Prof. Ajibefun defined sustainability as maintaining quality teaching with relevant curricula, environmental stewardship, ethical research, prudent finances, and social inclusiveness.
He listed 10 strategic pathways for survival:
visionary and accountable governance, sustainable physical and environmental infrastructure, quality, student-centred teaching, research that solves real problems.
Others were: digital transformation, staff development and motivation, community service and town-gown partnership, industry linkages and entrepreneurship, Discipline, ethics, and institutional culture, and
Funding and resource mobilization
“Sustainability does not happen by accident. It must be deliberately planned, patiently built, and consistently protected,” he said.
“Sustainability means building today with tomorrow in mind. Expanding without losing quality. Teaching with purpose. Researching with relevance. Leading with integrity and serving with humility. Let OAUSTECH be known for impact, excellence, vision, innovation, discipline, collaboration, and commitment,” the Commissioner concluded.
OAUSTECH Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, described the lecture as “apt, eye-opening, and timely.”
Represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Research, Prof. Foluso Adetuyi, the VC commended the Chairman of Aduro Farms for internship opportunities for SAFNR students and a N100 million pledge for scale-up projects in the university.
Earlier, SAFNR Dean, Prof. Orimoloye Faleyimu, urged participants to apply the knowledge gained.
The event ended with an award of recognition and excellence presented to Dr. Anthony Aduro, President of Aduro Farms and Aduro Foundation. Government officials, scholars, traditional rulers, staff, and students attended.
*Source* : Directorate of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, OAUSTECH
*Date* : 16th June, 2026
