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By Aliyu Mofoluwaso Raheem
There was jubilation in Ayede community, Ogo-Oluwa Local Government of Oyo State, on Tuesday, as the management of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede announced plans to relocate to the permanent of theu institution in Ayede in February.
The announcement was made during an engagement meeting between the management of the Polytechnic and the host community at the permanent site.
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, who was represented by the Deputy Rector (Academic), Dr. Azeez Olasunkanmi Ojo, informed the gathering that the maiden convocation ceremony of the institution would hold at the permanent site on February 12, 2026.
The Rector disclosed that a series of activities had been lined up for the maiden convocation, including a press conference scheduled for February 9, 2026, also at Ayede.
Dr. Ojo urged members of the host community to prepare adequately and actively participate in the historic event, describing it as a major milestone in the life of the institution.
According to him, the decision to hold the first convocation at the permanent site aligns with the promise earlier made by the Rector during a familiarisation tour in 2021 that the polytechnic would eventually relocate to Ayede.
“The management has decided to first conduct the maiden convocation here and thereafter commence full relocation to the permanent site this February,” he said.
He appealed to the host community for support, particularly in the areas of security and accommodation for staff and students.
The Rector also identified poor access roads as one of the challenges that had delayed the relocation but expressed optimism that the situation would soon improve, following the pledge by a prominent son of the soil to construct the road from Idi-Araba to Ayede before the onset of the rainy season.
The Polytechnic Librarian who is also the Chairman of the coming convocation ceremony, Dr. Samuel Oke Ogunniyi, intimated the gathering with thw lined up activities for the events and enjoined the communities to participate in the programmes.
Responding on behalf of the host community, a member of the Governing Council of the Polytechnic and community representative, Prof. Olajide Ajao, assured the management of peaceful coexistence.
He noted that Ogbomosoland has a long history of hosting higher institutions without incidents of conflict between students and indigenes, citing institutions that have existed for decades in the area.
“Ogbomoso people are law-abiding, and we assure the management of one hundred percent cooperation,” Prof. Ajao said.
Also speaking, Mr. Solomon Adeyanju expressed profound gratitude to the management, describing the announcement as a source of immense joy to the community.
He recalled that the establishment of the Polytechnic at a temporary site had initially attracted ridicule but said hosting the maiden convocation at Ayede had silenced critics.
Adeyanju appealed to the management to consider providing more employment opportunities for members of the host community.
In his remarks, Dr. Okun Adepoju assured the management of the safety of staff and students, stating that since construction began at the permanent site, there had been no incidents of theft or disruption.
He added that efforts were ongoing to ensure adequate accommodation for both staff and students.
One of the community leaders, Mr. Matthew Adedokun, commended the Rector for his achievements and urged the management to properly orientate students on the norms and values of the host community.
Similarly, Mr. Adetayo Ajiboye described the news as heartwarming, saying the relocation fulfilled long-held aspirations of the Ayede people.
Speaking at event, the Registrar of the institution, Mr. Akin Odesola, represented by Deputy Rebistrar, Mr. G. K. Olantinwo, called on residents to treat incoming students as their own children, while urging the community to report any erring students to appropriate authorities.
The Director of Academic Planning, Dr. T. M. Adepoju, in her vote of thanks, commended the synergy between the management and the host community.
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