Summit University Chancellor Dr. Sulaiman Adegunwa praises education investment as catalyst for growth, infrastructure development, and new academic programmes

Dr. Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, OFR, Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, and Chairman of Rite Foods Limited, on Monday identified investment in quality education as a critical driver of sustainable socio-economic development.

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He delivered the address at the combined 5th and 6th convocation ceremony of the university, held at the Alhaja Adiat Abegbe Makanjuola Lecture Theatre.

Adegunwa commended the dedication and financial commitment of stakeholders, noting that their support has strengthened the university’s foundation and accelerated its growth trajectory.

He urged philanthropists and well-meaning individuals to invest in the institution to further advance its mission.

“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.”

Since assuming office as pioneer Chancellor in December 2023, Adegunwa highlighted the university’s remarkable expansion.

Undergraduate programmes have grown from eight to sixteen, while six academic programmes recently underwent reaccreditation, achieving full approval from the National Universities Commission.

He also drew attention to ongoing infrastructural developments, revealing that foundations for four major buildings have been laid, with one completed and two nearing completion.

Adegunwa extended appreciation to donors, including Mosun Belo-Olusoga, for their generous contributions, describing them as a catalyst for progress.

Preparations are underway for new programmes in the College of Law and the College of Health Sciences, with documentation and agreements already concluded.

The university has also received approval to operate a Campus FM Radio Station, aimed at enhancing community outreach and combating misinformation.

At the ceremony, the university conferred honorary doctorate degrees (Honoris Causa) on Aderemi Muyideen Makanjuola and Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila, as well as a posthumous doctorate in Business Administration on the late Tiamiyu Adebisi Olatinwo.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu expressed gratitude to Adegunwa for donating the ongoing Senate Building project, which is now 30 per cent complete and set to significantly enhance university infrastructure.

A total of 319 students graduated, including 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.