The Ondo State Government has commenced moves to establish a technology and innovation hub at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.
The initiative, being implemented through the State Information Technology Agency, was disclosed by its Executive Chairman, Tomide Akinribido, during a visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tomola Obamuyi, on Monday.
Akinribido said the project was part of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s drive to advance technology and innovation across state-owned tertiary institutions under the administration’s OUR-EASE policy thrust.
He explained that Aiyedatiwa had directed that every state-owned tertiary institution should have a functional technology and innovation hub, noting that the programme had already commenced with the completion and handover of a similar facility at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, last year.
According to him, the AAUA hub will provide students with an avenue to exchange ideas, share knowledge and develop sustainable partnerships, while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation within the university community.
The Acting Permanent Secretary of SITA, Olusegun Akosile, added that modern gadgets and technological equipment would be provided to adequately equip the facility when completed.
Reacting, the AAUA Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tomola Obamuyi, welcomed the initiative and commended the governor for his commitment to the development of the institution. He assured the government that the university management would ensure proper maintenance of the facility after its completion and handover.
Obamuyi also expressed hope that the project would be completed promptly, saying its early delivery would enable students to begin benefiting from the facility and its opportunities for technological development.