PanNigerianNews 
The global President of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Alumni Association, Engr. Olalekan Badmus, has disclosed his intention to be a part of the ongoing development at Federal Polytechnic Ayede, located in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Engr. Badmus, former Commissioner for Special Duties in Osun State and currently Executive Director at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), made the disclosure during his courtesy visit to the temporary site of the institution at Iresa-Pupa in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State last Wednesday.
Engr. Badmus stressed that Dr. Abdul-Hameed has clearly distinguished himself as a through-bred academic and administrator of high repute, noting that he is a blessing to Osun State and Nigeria as a whole.
Badmus said, “I have come here to witness the good things that people have been saying about Federal Polytechnic Ayede. I have equally taken note of what you (Rector) said and I will see the steps we can take by way of contributing our quota in the ongoing development here. And I am also going to update you on the steps I will be taking.
“Ogbomoso is like a second home. I am representing all the former students of LAUTECH and I am particularly happy because a lot of our members (alumni) are working here in the Polytechnic. Our alumni have been generously donating to our alma mater, LAUTECH.”
Speaking earlier, the Rector of the institution, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, who showered encomiums on LAUTECH, expressed joy in receiving the delegation of the LAUTECH global alumni association.
Emphasising the roles that the university has been playing on the polytechnic, Dr. Abdul-Hameed said, “If you look at our logo today, it was designed by Prof. Rasaq Olatunde ROM Kalilu, the current acting Vice Chancellor of LAUTECH. LAUTECH happened to the very first place where the four Principal Officers were residing after our appointment.
“By the virtue of the opportunities we receive there, we were able to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in terms of sharing infrastructure, facilities and what have you.
“LAUTECH formed the bulk of our facilities. We aimed high and presented thirteen National Diploma (ND) programmes. Unfortunately, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) granted us four. Today, we have secured twelve ND programmes.
“I am happy to tell you that of all the polytechnics that we were established together, only ours has twelve programmes today. We, therefore, cannot quantify the efforts of LAUTECH on us. So, now that you, the alumni and the global president are here today, I want to sincerely appreciate you on behalf of the management team, staff and students of this institution.
“I pray that God, in His infinite mercy, will continue to strengthen you. The global president has been a commissioner in Osun State, my dear state. He played brilliant role while he was commissioner.”
The Rector identified infrastructure as part of the challenges facing the institution, saying “One major constraint we have are access roads to the permanent site. There, we have good structures, completed or near completion. We have been calling on agencies offering interventions to cine to our aid. We also need laboratories just to mention a few.”
Engr. Badmus was accompanied by other alumni of LAUTECH including the global Public Relations Officer, Dr. Obasanjo Babalola; Dr. Damilare Adeyemi (former global PRO) and Mr. Saheed Adeyemi, among other alumni working at Federal Polytechnic Ayede.
While thanking Engr. Badmus and his team, the Registrar of the institution, Mr. Akin Odesola, reiterated that LAUTECH alumni body is committed to the development of the institution.
Mr. Odesola said, “I greet my Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, and everyone seated here this afternoon. My global president, I have a very big sense of belonging because I carry myself as a big Ladokite. I have been with LAUTECH for so many years until we got our appointment here in 2021. I am highly excited for having you and other members of the executive around. Our alumni have done a lot to LAUTECH.
“I know the assistances we have received. Before I left, I was formerly the Deputy Registrar, Academic Affairs. You did a lot. And even in term of infrastructural development, among others. Engr. Badmus, we have taken note of your speech and we very much believe that you will do something for us as a neighbouring tertiary institution.”
