The Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, has approved 24 bachelor’s degree programmes for The Heritage College of Education (THCoE), Unaun, Owo, following the institution’s successful affiliation with the state-owned university.
The approval, granted on June 17, came after a comprehensive assessment of the College’s academic and physical facilities by officials of AAUA to ascertain its readiness to run degree programmes in line with the university’s academic standards.
The college also announced the appointment of Prof George Ayenigbara, as its Provost, making him the first person to occupy the office under the newly secured AAUA affiliation.
Before his appointment, Ayenigbara was chairman of the Teaching Practice Committee in the Faculty of Education at AAUA. He also served as Dean of the Faculty of Education, Head of the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Chairman of the University’s Sports Council, among others.
The affiliation agreement was formally signed at AAUA during a ceremony attended by the university’s Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers, alongside the Founder, Registrar and management of The Heritage College of Education.
With the approval, students of the College can now pursue bachelor’s degree programmes at the institution’s campus in Unaun, Owo, with certificates to be awarded by AAUA.
Established in 2024, The Heritage College of Education secured the affiliation in less than two years of operation, a development the institution described as evidence of its rapid growth and commitment to quality teacher education.
The College Council and Management said the affiliation marked a significant milestone in its drive to produce competent, innovative and globally competitive educators capable of meeting the evolving needs of Nigeria’s education sector.
Speaking shortly after his appointment, Ayenigbara described the opportunity as both an honour and a call to service.
”I consider this appointment a great honour and a call to service. I am committed to working with the Board, Management, staff, students and our strategic partners to strengthen the College’s culture of academic excellence, integrity, innovation and professional development.
”Together, we will build an institution that produces highly competent educators equipped to meet the evolving needs of Nigeria and the global education sector,” he said.
