The 17th Convocation Ceremony and 20th Anniversary Celebration of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, witnessed a remarkable moment as the representative of the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, addressed the gathering. Honorable Akin Ajetumobi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, delivered the Governor’s goodwill message and shared vital insights into the administration’s achievements in the education sector.
Honorable Ajetumobi began his speech by appreciating God for the success of the convocation and anniversary celebration, acknowledging that the event was not only well-planned but divinely approved. He noted that although Governor Adeleke could not attend in person due to an official engagement outside the country, he was spiritually present and deeply honored to be represented on such a significant occasion.
The Special Adviser then gave an introductory remark on the Governor’s lifelong passion for education, emphasizing that this commitment has been evident even before his assumption of office. According to Ajetumobi, during the campaign period, Adeleke promised to revive Osun State’s education sector, which was in a deplorable condition at the time. He revealed that the Governor had identified the poor academic performance of the state, ranked 33rd nationwide in WAEC and NECO examinations, as a major concern that demanded immediate attention.
He went further to note that Senator Adeleke’s pledge to reposition the state’s education system was not mere political rhetoric but a deliberate policy backed by strategic actions and reforms. Within just two years in office, Ajetumobi announced, Osun State had achieved an impressive transformation, rising from 33rd to 7th position nationally in both WAEC and NECO performance indices, a record-breaking leap in Nigeria’s education ranking.
In addition, the Special Adviser proudly disclosed that Osun State now ranks number one in the entire Southwest region in the 2025 WAEC and NECO examinations. This, he said, was a clear testament to the Governor’s deep commitment to educational excellence, infrastructural upgrades, teacher motivation, and student empowerment programs across the state. He added that such accomplishments could not have been achieved without deliberate planning, resource allocation, and visionary leadership.
While delivering the Governor’s official address, Ajetumobi expressed gratitude to the Redeemer’s University community for their continued partnership with Osun State in advancing education and promoting moral uprightness among youths. He described Redeemer’s University as a beacon of excellence and an academic powerhouse that has contributed greatly to research, innovation, and human capital development in Nigeria.
Governor Adeleke’s address, read by Ajetumobi, stated: “It gives me great joy to join this distinguished gathering to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Redeemer’s University and the 17th convocation ceremony for the award of degrees to our graduating students. I warmly congratulate the Chancellor, Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor, Management, staff and students of this great institution on this double celebration of academic excellence and institutional growth.”
The Governor further remarked that twenty years is a significant milestone in the life of any university, symbolizing the test of resilience, vision, and progress. He commended Redeemer’s University for emerging stronger over the years as one of Nigeria’s most reputable private universities, known for academic distinction and moral integrity. Adeleke affirmed that the institution has not only thrived but has also impacted the host community and the entire Osun State through employment, business stimulation, and social investment.
“Your presence has added value to our educational landscape and boosted the economy of our host communities through job creation and service opportunities,” the Governor stated. He described the story of Redeemer’s University as “one of faith, diligence, and divine grace,” noting that the achievements recorded by the institution are evidence of strong leadership, sound administration, and a commitment to quality education.
Governor Adeleke also acknowledged the contributions of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), under the spiritual guidance of Pastor E.A. Adeboye, for its unwavering support toward youth development and academic growth in Nigeria. He commended the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and the entire management team for sustaining a high standard of academic integrity while fostering spiritual and moral excellence among students.
The Governor’s message concluded with words of encouragement to the graduating students, urging them to be good ambassadors of the university and to carry forward the virtues of diligence, humility, and integrity that Redeemer’s University stands for. “As you step into the next phase of life, may you continue to uphold the values of hard work, faith, and service to humanity. The future of Nigeria depends on your ability to innovate and to act with purpose,” he added.
In closing, Hon. Ajetumobi extended the Governor’s warm wishes to the Redeemer’s University family and reaffirmed the Osun State Government’s readiness to support educational initiatives that promote excellence, moral leadership, and national development. He assured the university of the state’s continued collaboration to sustain the vision of making Osun the educational hub of Southwest Nigeria.
The address was met with applause from the audience as Redeemer’s University marked its 20th anniversary with renewed pride and optimism. The presence of government dignitaries, clergy, academic leaders, and the graduating class made the event a truly memorable celebration of faith, knowledge, and leadership in action.
