Varsity signs MoU on students, research collaboration

• Wins inter-universities’ debate
As part of efforts aimed at deepening its academic programmes, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Auburn University, Alabama, U.S. The MoU would essentially facilitate exchange of students and staff and research collaboration among other benefits between the two universities.

The development came barely four months after the university had signed a similar document with Alabama State University, U.S., to further expand its global partnerships and broaden opportunities for its staff and students.

At the occasion, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, who signed on behalf of the university, expressed delight at the development which he described as worthwhile, promising to maximise the partnership in the interest of the institution.

Ajibefun said, “For us at Adekunle Ajasin University, it’s a collaboration that we are happy about, cherish and treasure, and which would be in the best interest of our university.”

President of Auburn, Dr. Jay Gogue, expressed pleasure over the signing of the MoU, and expressed confidence that the partnership would yield good fruits in due time.Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Toyin Akinkuotu, witnessed the signing.

Meanwhile, Adekunle Ajasin University has emerged the overall winner of the maiden edition of Prof. Akinsola Akiwowo Inter-University Debate Competition, which took place at Obafemi Awolowo, University (OAU), Osun State. Titled ‘Ethno-religious Bigotry: The Mother of Terrorism,’ it was organised by Nigerian Sociology and Anthropology Students Association (NSASA) of OAU. It featured the host institution, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Ekiti State University, Osun State University and Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State.

Miss. Ifeoluwa Oluwatuase (400-Level) and Samson Adeoye (300-Level), both of the Sociology department of the institution were declared overall winners at the third and final stages of the competition. While receiving the winner’s plaque in his office, Head of Department of Sociology, Dr. Femi Tinuola said, “This victory is a display of the ability and responsiveness of our students who have yielded to adequate and effective training by the crop of lecturers in the department. I dedicate the victory to the Vice-Chancellor, Ajibefun, who provided the enabling environment for such a giant victory”.

According to him, the department was excited about the feat despite receiving the invitation for the competition late. He pointed out that the victory was not unconnected with the track record of excellence in the institution.

Late Professor Akiwowo in whose honour the competition was instituted was a frontline sociologist in Nigeria who, through his theory of ‘Ajogbe and Ajobi`, carved a niche for himself in indigenous sociological enquiry. He applied his theories toward putting up a clear understanding of human relationships in the African context.