ACT historic maiden convocation: Falaye, Deputy Governor Adelami advocate reinforcement of tech skills

Adeyemi College of Technology (ACT), Ondo, has made history with its maiden convocation ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the institution's journey.

The event, held at the center for educational technology in Adeyemi Federal University of Education campus, drew dignitaries from across Ondo State and beyond, including the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami, mni. 

The Guest Speaker, Dr. Foluso Bamidele Falaye, Chief Executive of Triangular Anchor Technologies Ltd, delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled "From Classroom to Industry: Harnessing Technology and Innovation to Drive Nigeria's Industrial Transformation." In his address, Dr. Falaye stressed the urgent need to bridge the gap between academic training and industrial needs. He noted that Nigeria cannot achieve true industrial transformation without deliberate investment in technical and vocational education, innovation hubs, and industry-driven curriculum.

According to him, "The future of Nigeria's economy lies in our ability to convert classroom knowledge to industrial solutions. Our polytechnics and colleges of technology must become engines of production, not just certificates." In his words while describing Nigeria society waiting for emancipation, "Our country is littered with Okada and tricycles as our new mode of transportation. The sad part is that neither the motorcycles nor tricycles are indigenous to Nigeria. The technologies are not local – they are wholly imported with our main suppliers being Indians and Chinese".  

Corroborating the guest speaker, in his own remarks, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami mni, who graced the occasion and was appreciated with a special recognition award of excellence, called for the reinforcement of technical skills among Nigerian youths as a panacea for unemployment and underdevelopment.

Adelami commended the management of ACT for its vision and resilience in sustaining technological education, assuring the state government's continued support for institutions driving skills acquisition and entrepreneurship. He lauded the policies of President Tinubu and his principal, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa on educational matters stressing that education is one of the keys to national development. 

Meanwhile the College Governing council chairman, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola and the Adeyemi University Governing council chairman, HRH Hajia Ganiyat Adeola Yusuf lauded the pioneering works of Prof. Samuel Akintunde whose vision gave birth to the College in his tenure as the then Provost of the college of education. 

Earlier in his address, the Rector of the College, Dr. Kehinde Adenegan, an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics of the university, expressed gratitude to the Ondo State Government, the guest speaker, AFUED Governing Council chairman, AFUED VC, and all stakeholders who made the maiden convocation a reality. He said the convocation was not just a celebration of the few graduands but a testament to the college's commitment to producing competent technologists and innovators for national development.

The ceremony also attracted prominent personalities, including Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ondo State, whose address was presented by Mrs. Esther Olufade, a Director in the Ondo State ministry of education, Senator Dr. Bode Olajumoke ably represented by Prof. Folorunso Balogun, Mr. Leo Akin Akinwumi, Prof. Samuel Akintunde who were among the Special Guests of Honour.

The convocation also witnessed the presence of seven royal fathers, whose attendance further added traditional and cultural significance to the historic occasion. Their presence underscored the strong relationship between the institution and the traditional leadership and communities within its catchment area.

The Royal fathers and traditional chiefs whose presence added glamour to the event included the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, the Olowo of Owo, the Ojomoluda of Ijebu, the Asuada of Isuada, the Elemure of Emure, the Ajamugbo of Odigbo and Bobagunwa of Epe. The historic event also had spiritual fathers and Lord's temporal, Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Chief Imam of Adeyemi, former chief Justice of Ondo state, Bishop Fasogbon and his wife, Justice Williams Akintoroye and other representatives of other sister institutions, Dr. Adegoke Benjamin from Federal Polytechnic IleOluji, Prof. Taiwo Adenegan from University of Ilesa/Achievers University and host of others. 

One of the major highlights of the maiden convocation was the presentation of Special Recognition Awards of Excellence to three distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their contributions and service. The award recipients were: His Excellency, Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami mni, Sir Chief Ayo Akingbule and Engr. Kayode Ijalana. The awards added colour and significance to the historic ceremony, as the College celebrated personalities whose contributions have impacted their communities and society at large.

Another highpoint of the event was the conferment of National diplomas (ND) and certificates on graduands. Best students both in the ND and certificate programs received different college and cash prizes. The students were Ogunwale Rita who got the best graduating ND student awards, and Aloye Breakthrough who received the best-behaved student award. Others in the certificate category are Adenegan Confidence and Ezekiel Olaoluwa for 1st and 2nd batch respectfully. This session was well conducted by the Registrar of the College, Akinkuoye Robert Esq. and Mrs. Olusola Eniola Olagundoye who anchored the event.

The Maiden Convocation of Adeyemi College of Technology marked a new chapter in the history of the institution, bringing together the College community and distinguished guests to celebrate academic accomplishments, institutional growth and the future of technical and technological education.

The event was particularly significant as ACT formally celebrated its graduands and showcased its commitment to producing graduates equipped with relevant technical, entrepreneurial and practical skills for national development. 

The council members of AFUED and ACT as well as the institutions principal officers were fully present throwing their weights behind the maiden convocation. Many deans and directors as well as leaders of unions; ASUU, SSANU, NASU, NAATS, cooperative societies within the institution. 

While expressing their immeasurable joy, the successful maiden convocation has therefore been described by Dr. Ajishola Omojeje, a certificate graduand and Ogunwale Rita, the best graduating student from software engineering technology, as a landmark achievement for the College and a significant step towards its vision of “A New Beginning, A Greater Future Together.” event was fully covered by ORC studio, one of the best studios in Ondo State while AFUED, AI & Tech Skills YouTube channel, AGES, Dodopho consult, AGCS, and AFUED TV were strong supportive partners that added to the success story of the maiden convocation

Ondo, September 26, 2026 — Doyeni Mosinmiloluwa, AGES.