The Polytechnic, Ibadan, marked a significant milestone on Friday, celebrating its 40th convocation ceremony with the conferment of prestigious fellowship awards on eminent Nigerians, including the Ooni of Ile-Ife and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Distinguished Personalities Honoured for National Impact
At the event held in the institution's 1,000-capacity hall, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), the Ooni of Ile-Ife, led the list of distinguished awardees. He was joined by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Ahmed Raji, and Dr. Olajide Babatunde. The fellowship awards were presented in recognition of their immense contributions to the advancement of education and overall national development.
The ceremony attracted a host of dignitaries from across Nigeria. Notable figures in attendance included a former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Adeolu Akande; the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole; and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale.
Monarch's Ties to Alma Mater and Generous Donation
Responding on behalf of all the award recipients, the Ooni described The Polytechnic, Ibadan, as a crucial part of his educational foundation and expressed profound gratitude for the honour. Addressing the new graduates, the monarch urged them to remain steadfast in their faith, hardworking, focused, and forward-looking in all their future endeavours. He also admonished them not to forget their alma mater.
In a generous move, Oba Ogunwusi announced a personal donation of N5 million as a reward for the best graduating students. He also pledged additional prizes for other outstanding graduands across various departments and faculties of the polytechnic.
Government's Commitment and Institutional Advocacy
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, reiterated that education remains a top priority for his administration. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal, the governor stated that deliberate efforts have been made to strengthen the education sector since assuming office about six years ago.
"When this administration came on board, budgetary allocation to education stood between 17 and 21 per cent. Today, deliberate steps have been taken to improve outcomes across all levels," Governor Makinde said. He acknowledged the manpower challenges facing tertiary institutions like The Polytechnic, Ibadan, noting that the government is addressing staff shortages through regular recruitment and capacity-building initiatives.
Earlier, the institution's Acting Rector, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, disclosed that a total of 4,393 students graduated at the ceremony. This number comprised 1,514 National Diploma (ND) students and 2,879 Higher National Diploma (HND) students from the polytechnic's five faculties.
Dr. Lasisi revealed that the overall best graduating student achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.87. He emphasized that the graduands had been equipped with at least one vocational skill to enable self-reliance, even without securing government employment.
The acting rector also made a strong appeal to the Federal Government, calling for the conversion of polytechnics into degree-awarding institutions with a focus on Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees. He argued that such a policy would finally end the long-standing disparity between polytechnic and university graduates. Citing global examples from China and the United Kingdom, Dr. Lasisi noted that both nations have taken deliberate steps to strengthen technical and vocational education, recognizing its pivotal role in national development.
The overall best graduating student, Miss Basirat Yusuf, expressed her gratitude to the institution's management for providing an enabling environment that fostered academic excellence.
