Prof. Mimiko, who was received by members of the University Community at a colourful ceremony which started from the University main gate, inspected a guard of honour mounted by the University's Nigerian Army Cadet Corps and the Man O' War, before he was ushered to the Council Chamber venue of the reception, by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, other Principal Officers of the University, Professor, Deans of Faculty, Heads of Department, senior officers of the University and a teeming army of students.
Prof. Mimiko is the only serving Vice Chancellor delegate to the Confab.
In his speech, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi, who held the fort for four months, welcomed and congratulated the VC on behalf of the entire University Community on his successful participation in the Confab and his safe return home.
The DVC described Prof. Mimiko as a highly resourceful academic leader and an astute administrator "that is full of innovative ideas and a painstaking listener."
Prof. Ajayi noted that Prof. Mimiko did not only do the University proud at the Confab, but also represented Ondo State well and served the country diligently and patriotically. He expressed the hope that the Conference recommendations, when adopted, would help to reshape the country for the better.
He thanked the VC for the confidence reposed in him to hold the fort, adding, "Let me particularly thank the Vice Chancellor for not leaving me alone in the saddle as he was always providing the needed guidance for me whenever I asked for it even from Abuja."
The DVC appreciated the staff and students of the University for their demonstration of love and acceptance to the VC by turning out en-masse to welcome him back to campus.
He specially thanked the Vice Chancellor's wife, Abosede, for her prayers, support and encouragement for the VC, saying, "Behind every successful man is a woman of substance."
Prof. Ajayi also thanked the Visitor to the University and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, for the robust support the University enjoyed from him during the period.
Some members of the University Community, who spoke at the occasion, commended the robust and meaningful contributions of the Vice Chancellor at the Confab and noted that the initiative of the Vice Chancellor to have institutionalized the structures of the University through policy and regulatory books kept it (AAUA) running smoothly throughout the four months.
Responding, Prof. Mimiko, who was obviously delighted at the warm reception, thanked the DVC for holding the fort successful and tenaciously and appreciated other Principal Officers, all staff and students of the University for the support and cooperation.
The VC highlighted some of the core recommendations of the Confab and said the University would create a platform on which the take-homes from the National Conference would be discussed.
As a demonstration of his avowed belief that education should be for all, background notwithstanding, Prof. Mimiko announced the donation of part of his allowance from the Conference to the University's Scholarship Scheme for indigent students.
The VC said, "There is a particular programme that is so dear to my heart. I know that there are so many indigent students on our campus. Under the University Advancement Office, we had thought of floating a Scholarship Scheme into which we will put funds from everywhere. And I can see that in the future the funds will be so big that every student that has the need will be able to draw from. I had decided before I left Abuja to donate part of my allowance into the Scheme's account as a seed fund to support indigent students of AAUA."
Prof. Mimiko expressed delight that the students were going about their activities smoothly, adding, "It is good that staff and students have kept the Campus clean and green. I give kudos to all on this!"
The VC advised the students, especially their leaders, to always appreciate the critical place of leadership and have the courage to make hard choices that would define their future for good.
He said, "At all times, leaders must consider the wider implications of all their actions and what all of these mean for their constituents. Your mission should be how to contribute to the stability of your University. It was not for nothing that AAUA was rated the Best State University in Nigeria in 2013."
Prof. Mimiko promised that the University would further pay attention to issues that are of critical importance to students.
On the notorious power challenge ravaging Akungba community where a huge population of students is resident and other student-related issues, the Vice Chancellor said, "We would seek ways of working with the community to intervene in the electricity situation in town. We would keep upgrading our infrastructure. As a matter of fact, we may be able to have a few more classrooms for use during the upcoming Semester examinations. On transportation, we may be able to deploy a few more tricycles to ease movement around the Campus.
"We are going to explore the possibility of constructing a number of Bus/Relaxation Centres on the road to the Umaru Yar'Ardua LT. We are also recruiting more medical doctors at the health centre to reduce waiting time for staff and students."
The regent of Akungba, Princess Toyin Omosowon also graced the reception.
Thanks
