Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo, recorded two major boosts for its Economics and Accounting students within the same week in August 2026.
On Thursday, August 20, 2026, the President/Vice-Chancellor of James Hope University (JHU), Lagos, Prof. Olu Akinkugbe, donated several copies of Economics textbooks to AFUED’s Department of Economics.
The donation, held at the Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s office, was described as the first of its kind since the institution’s transformation from Adeyemi College of Education to a full university.
Receiving the donor on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ireti Folasade Alao, described the gesture as thoughtful and timely.
“I know AFUED is not new to you and it has a place in your heart. We know you today, and we know you for good. I pray that Almighty God will make your tenure as the Vice-Chancellor of JHU successful. You will never lack,” she said.
Akinkugbe said the donation was motivated by his belief in the importance of quality learning materials for students.
“I am here today to donate a small collection of economics textbooks to your department. These are not just books; they are tools. They are bridges to understanding the complex world of markets, policies, and human behaviour,” he said.
He urged students to make the most of the materials regardless of their area of specialisation.
“Whether you are studying microeconomics, macroeconomics, or development economics, I hope these texts will challenge you, inspire you, and equip you for the future,” he said.
The Dean, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Prof. Tope Rufus Oziegbe, and the Head of the Economics Department, Dr Joel Edafe, both appreciated the donor’s generosity.
The Acting Dean of Degree Studies, Associate Professor Rogers Adebayo Akinsokeji, said the scale of the donation exceeded expectations.
“We thought your donation would be just three or five books, but here we are with boxes loaded with current economics textbooks of international standard. We thank you, sir, that this is happening in our time,” he said.
Days later, students in the same faculty received further guidance on preparing for the future of their profession.
On the same day as the book donation, the Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Ondo and District Society, Mr Muritala Steve Oluwanife Shittu, urged practicing and aspiring accountants to embrace digital technology.
Shittu spoke at a programme organised by the National Association of Accounting Students (NAOAS), AFUED Chapter.
He advised accountants still relying on traditional record keeping to adapt quickly or risk being left behind.
“The accounting profession is undergoing rapid digital transformation and technology is reshaping how financial information is captured, processed, analysed and reported. Today’s accountants must evolve from traditional record keepers to strategic digital professionals,” he said.
Shittu defined digital transformation in accounting as the integration of digital tools into accounting processes, automation of manual tasks, use of data analysis for decision-making, and adoption of cloud-based systems.
He listed newly introduced digital tools in the profession between 2021 and 2026, including Rillet, DOSS, Campfire, Dual Entry, Receptor AI and Pilot Meridian, alongside key technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotic Process Automation, cloud accounting platforms and blockchain.
He listed post-graduation opportunities available to accounting students, including digital auditing, data analysis and forensic technology.
On challenges facing the profession in Nigeria, Shittu identified cybersecurity risks, high cost of technology, skills gaps among graduates, resistance to change in traditional firms, and ethical concerns around the use of AI in financial decisions.
“Accountants who thrive tomorrow are those who embrace technology today. Let us prepare, innovate and lead the future of accounting in Nigeria,” he said.
The Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, AFUED, Dr Mrs Oluseto Abidemi Olatuyi, advised students to maintain good conduct and represent the University well, noting that appearance matters.
A lecturer in the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Dr Akinwumi Sarimakin, urged students to focus on their studies and avoid distractions from campus activities.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
