* Backs FG on university consolidation, technical education reforms
The Secretary General of the Ogun State Muslim Council, Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde, has been honoured with the 2026 Bola Ajibola Community Award in recognition of his lifelong commitment to youth development, faith promotion and interfaith harmony.
Asiwaju Akintunde received the award on Saturday during the 20th Founder’s Day Lecture of Crescent University in Abeokuta, where he also commended the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in technical and vocational education and its policy of strengthening existing universities rather than creating new ones.
Other personalities honoured included retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Adeleye Oyebade, who was recognised for his contributions to security reform and community policing, and Dr Kazeem Bakinson, the Aare Mayegun of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, who was honoured for his contributions to education and community development.
Expressing appreciation for the award, Asiwaju Akintunde thanked the management of Crescent University and dedicated the honour to the late founder of the institution, Prince Bola Ajibola, as well as to Muslim youths in Nigeria and the staff of the Ogun State Muslim Council Secretariat.
He described the recognition as “a mandate rather than a destination,” pledging to continue advancing youth development and faith based advocacy through organisations such as MUSWEN, NSCIA, the Ogun State Muslim Council and interfaith groups.
Speaking with journalists after receiving the award, the OMC Secretary described the Federal Government’s reforms in technical and vocational education as strategic measures necessary for building a competitive and modern economy.
The former National President of NACOMYO said the renewed focus on technical skills and technology integration would help position Nigeria for long term economic growth.
“The strategic focus on technical and vocational education and the integration of technology are the right steps toward a modern economy,” he said.
Asiwaju Akintunde also endorsed the Federal Government’s decision to reduce the proliferation of universities and instead consolidate and strengthen existing institutions.
“Furthermore, the systematic reduction in the proliferation of new universities, choosing instead to consolidate and strengthen existing ones, is a commendable pursuit of quality over quantity,” he added.
While applauding the policy direction, he cautioned that implementation remained the most critical factor in ensuring the reforms deliver practical results for citizens.
According to him, policies must not remain theoretical but must directly improve students’ learning experience and strengthen teaching standards across the country.
“I urge the Federal Government to ensure these reforms are realistic and impactful at the grassroots. Our policies must not just exist in the corridors of power; they must be felt in the lives of the students and in the efficiency of the teachers,” he said.
Addressing students at the event, Akintunde urged them to pursue excellence and contribute to building a more educated and equitable society.
“Excellence is not a coincidence; it is a habit. Let us all work for an Ummah that is educated, a state that is equitable, and a nation that is truly committed to the common man,” he said.
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