The Secretary-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council, Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde, has endorsed the Federal Government’s reforms in technical and vocational education, describing them as critical to building a modern, 21st-century economy.
Akintunde made the remarks in Abeokuta during a press interview at the 20th Founder’s Day Lecture of Crescent University, where he was honoured with the 2026 Bola Ajibola Community Award.
The award was presented in recognition of his contributions to youth development, promotion of faith, and interfaith harmony.
Other recipients included retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Adeleye Oyebade, honoured for his role in security reform and community policing, and Aare Kazeem Bakinson, recognised for his contributions to education and societal development.
Speaking on national education policy, Akintunde, a former National President of National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations, supported the Federal Government’s move to curb the proliferation of new universities in favour of strengthening existing institutions.
He described the emphasis on technical and vocational education, alongside the integration of technology, as a strategic step toward economic transformation.
“The focus on consolidating and improving the quality of existing universities, rather than expanding numbers, is a commendable pursuit of quality over quantity,” he said.
However, he stressed the importance of effective implementation, warning that policy formulation must translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
“I urge the Federal Government to ensure these reforms are realistic and impactful at the grassroots. Policies must not remain in the corridors of power but be felt in the lives of students and teachers,” he added.
Reacting to the award, Akintunde expressed appreciation to the university’s management and dedicated the honour to the memory of the institution’s founder, Bola Ajibola, as well as Muslim youth across the country and staff of the Council.
He described the recognition as a “mandate” to continue his advocacy through platforms such as NACOMYO, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and other interfaith bodies.
Addressing students, he urged them to embrace excellence and discipline, noting that national development depends on an educated and responsible citizenry.
