The Secretary-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC), Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde, has lauded the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in Technical and Vocational Education, describing them as pivotal steps toward a 21st-century economy.

Alhaji Akintunde gave this commendation on Saturday in Abeokuta in a press interview during the 20th Founder’s Day Lecture of Crescent University. He was honoured with the prestigious 2026 Bola Ajibola Community Award in recognition of his lifelong commitment to youth development, the promotion of faith, and inter-faith harmony.

He was honored alongside two other distinguished Nigerians: DIG Adeleye Oyebade (Rtd), who was recognized for his contributions to security reform and community policing, and Aare Kazeem Bakinson, who was honored for his services to societal development and education.

On National Education Policy, Akintunde, who is also a former National President of NACOMYO, threw his weight behind the Federal Government’s policy of curbing the proliferation of new universities to focus on the quality of existing ones.

“The strategic focus on Technical and Vocational Education and the integration of technology are the right steps toward a modern economy,” Akintunde stated. “Furthermore, the systematic reduction in the proliferation of new universities—choosing instead to consolidate and strengthen existing ones—is a commendable pursuit of quality over quantity.”

Emphasizing the need for “Impactful” Implementation of polices, the prominent Muslim leader, cautioned that policy formulation is distinct from implementation. He challenged the Federal Government to ensure that these reforms translate into tangible benefits for the common man.

“I urge the Federal Government to ensure these reforms are realistic and impactful at the grassroots. Our policies must not just exist in the corridors of power; they must be felt in the lives of the students and the efficiency of the teachers,” he noted.

On his award, he expressed his profound appreciation to the management of Crescent University, Akintunde dedicated the award to the memory of the late Founder and “World Jurist,” Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, as well as the Muslim youth of Nigeria and the tireless staff of the OMC Secretariat.

He described the honour as a “Mandate” rather than a mere “Destination,” pledging to continue his advocacy through platforms like NACOMYO, MUSWEN, NSCIA, and the Ogun State Muslim Council,and interfaith bodies or groups.

As advice to the students, he charged: “Excellence is not a coincidence; it is a habit. Let us all work for an Ummah that is educated, a State that is equitable, and a Nation that is truly committed to the common man.”

Credit: Ogun State Muslim Council, Publicity Department