Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, and Chairman of Rite Foods Limited, Dr. Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, OFR, has reaffirmed that sustained investment in quality education remains a major driver of socio-economic development.
He made the statement while addressing guests at the combined 5th and 6th convocation ceremony of the institution, held at the Alhaja Adiat Abegbe Makanjuola Lecture Theatre.
Dr. Adegunwa, who assumed office as the pioneer Chancellor in December 2023, commended the dedication and financial commitment of stakeholders, noting that their support has significantly strengthened the university’s foundation and overall growt.
He appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to contribute to the university’s development efforts.
“This event marks a key milestone for our university. It honours our graduates and celebrates our shared success,” he said. “An investment in knowledge pays the best dividend.
”The journey we have embarked upon with Summit University stands as one of the most rewarding investments. Our dividend from this investment is not only for today; it is also for posterity.”
The Chancellor highlighted the strides the university has made within the past year, revealing that its undergraduate programmes have grown from eight to 16. He notedadded that six programmes recently underwent reaccreditation, all securing full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He also praised the University Management, Governing Council and Board of Trustees for their commitment. “The growth we see today is a testament to your hard work and strategic planning,” he said.
On infrastructure, Dr. Adegunwa announced that four major building projects had been initiated since the last convocation in 2023. One of the structures has already been completed, while two others are nearing completion. He appreciated donors, including Mosun Belo-Olusoga, for their continued support.
“Your generosity is a catalyst for our progress. May Almighty Allah bless you abundantly,” he prayed.
Dr. Adegunwa further disclosed that preparations were underway for resource verification for proposed programmes in the College of Law and the College of Health Sciences. “We are hopeful that by the next convocation, both Colleges will be fully operational,” he said.
He also revealed that the university recently obtained approval to operate a Campus FM Radio Station. According to him, the station would serve as a vital tool for community engagement and for combating misinformation, while bolstering the university’s role in the knowledge economy.
The convocation ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on distinguished Nigerians, including Aderemi Muyideen Makanjuola and Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila. A posthumous honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration was also awarded to the late Tiamiyu Adebisi Olatinwo.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu, expressed appreciation to the Chancellor for funding the ongoing Senate Building project, which he noted is now 30 per cent completed. He said the structure, upon completion, would significantly enhance the institution’s infrastructure.
Prof. Aibinu announced that 319 students graduated at the ceremony: 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. He reiterated the university’s commitment to promoting innovation, research and development.