Adekunle Ajasin University was first established as Obafemi Awolowo University in March 1982 by the government of the old Ondo State, headed by the late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin.[2] The immediately succeeding military government of Navy Commodore Michael Bamidele Otiko changed its name to Ondo State University in 1985[citation needed]. Its relocation to Akungba Akoko in the new Ondo State became imperative in 1999, following the creation of a new state out of the old Ondo three years earlier in October 1996. The bill backing the relocation was signed into law by the then Governor of the State, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, in November 1999, and that prompted the movement of a crop of workers from the old site in Ado-Ekiti to Akungba Akoko on 1 December 1999. The bill for yet another name change, this time to Adekunle Ajasin University, in order to immortalise the late Governor Ajasin, was signed into law by Governor Adefarati in 2004 following the demise of the former. The amended and subsisting statute of the university was signed into law in November 2007 by yet another governor, the former Governor Olusegun Agagu[citation needed]. In these circumstances, it can rightly be said that while the history of AAUA started in 1982, its relocation on 5 November 1999 marked the beginning of the second phase of its history now in its present location, Akungba Akoko.[3]
The institution's library supports teaching. learning and research among the students and staff of the institution. The library has an automated system[6] with availability of e-resources.[7]
Students' Union
The AAUA Students' Union (AAUASU) has a large population of over 20,000 students.
On 23 May 2023, the 7th e-voting President of the union, Comrade Adekanye Mayomi known on Campus as "INEC" was inaugurated for the 2022–2023 session after the election on 4 May 2023.[8]
AAUA also participated in the Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) 2021[11]
AAUA played at the final of the HiFL against UNIMAID where they won the second-place position.[12]
Past and Present Vice Chancellors
The Vice Chancellors are assisted by two deputy Vice Chancellors, both Academic and Administration.
During the wave of the #COVID-19 Pandemic, Scientists in the university with partners from[19] National Biotechnology Development Agency and Afe Babalola University conducted a research titled "Aframomum melegueta secondary metabolites exhibit polypharmacology against SARS-CoV-2 drug targets: in vitro validation of furin inhibition" which resulted into the findings that Aframomum melegueta shows some potential for treating COVID-19.
The scientists out of which five are professors include: Olaposi Omotuyi, Oyekanmi Nash, Basiru O Ajiboye, Victor O Olumekun, Babatunji E Oyinloye, Oludare T Osuntokun, Adebisi Olonisakin, A Olajide Ajayi, Olasehinde Olusanya, Funmilola S Akomolafe, Niyi Adelakun.[20]
Akintewe Oluwadamiloa, a student of the university was the only Nigerian that made the top 10 shortlist for the inaugural Global Student Prize 2021 by Chegg and Varkey Foundation.[21]
