Osun Governor Highlights Education as Pillar of Good Governance at New University Launch

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has stated that an educated citizenry is a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring good governance. The governor made the declaration on Thursday during the official inauguration of Minaret University, Ikirun, a faith-based institution established by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

The ceremony also featured the investiture of the university’s pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdullah Abdur-Rahman.

Governor Adeleke, commending the community for selecting Osun as the host state, argued that an educated population fosters good governance by enabling informed scrutiny of those in power.

“An educated populace cannot be easily misled; they distinguish truth from falsehood and rely on verified facts,” Adeleke said. “They appreciate good leadership and reject governance that is against public interest. Educated citizens consistently evaluate their leaders.”

He linked the new institution to the state’s legacy of progressive educational policies, tracing it from the First Republic to the free education programme of the late Chief Bola Ige. The governor assured the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of his administration’s full support, stating that Minaret University would join other tertiary institutions in advancing scholarship and governance in Osun.

In his address, the university’s Chancellor, Azeez Alatoye, explained that the institution was conceived as a citadel of excellence built on knowledge, discipline, and service core values of the global Ahmadiyya community.

“At a time of significant national challenges, the role of universities is critical. Minaret University is positioned to address these through quality teaching, research, and community engagement,” Alatoye stated.

He listed the inaugural academic programmes to include Data Science, Information Technology, Cyber Security, Business Administration, and Economics, among others.

The newly invested Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdur-Rahman, expressed his commitment to building a world-class university focused on intellectual and manpower development for sustainable socio-economic growth.

The event, which also marked the commencement of the university’s academic session, was attended by various dignitaries.