
By Sunday Adepoju
The Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, is still basking in the euphoria of multiple recognitions and honours recently bestowed on its pioneer Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, and other Principal Officers of the institution. The series of awards, coming from reputable international bodies, stresses the transformation, discipline, and excellence that have characterised the Polytechnic since its establishment in 2021.
From modest beginnings with only four National Diploma (ND) programmes, the institution has impressively expanded to 13 ND programmes within just four years. Interestingly, according to the management, preparations are already in top gear to invite the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the commencement of Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes, a development expected to further strengthen its academic profile.
Federal Polytechnic Ayede is student- and staff-centric. Students of the institution are doing remarkably well, not only academically but also in entrepreneurship, sports, among others. This progress is attributed to the visionary leadership of Dr. Abdul-Hameed, whose drive for excellence has positioned the Polytechnic as a hub for innovation and character formation. Learning, dexterity and morals drive us at the Staff members, on their part, have been participating in conferences, undergoing further studies, and seizing opportunities for professional development, all in line with the Rector’s policy of capacity building.
On September 30, 2025, the Centre for Ethics and Self-Value Orientation (CESVO) honoured Dr. Abdul-Hameed with multiple awards, including the prestigious Integrity Icon of Nigeria (IION) for his fiscal discipline and transformational leadership. CESVO also conferred a Certificate of Commendation on the polytechnic itself, while other principal officers, directors, and staff members were equally recognized for their roles in supporting the Rector’s vision.
The awardees included Deputy Rector (Academic), Mr. Azeez Olasunkanmi Ojo; Registrar, Mr. Akin Odesola (represented by Deputy Registrar, Mr. Gafari Kolapo Olatinwo); Bursar, Alhaja Rashidat Oladepo; Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Samuel Oguniyi (represented by Dr. Halimot Amuda); Dean, Student Affairs, Mr. Musbau Afolabi (represented by Sub-Dean, Mr. Stephen Bolarinwa Ojoi); Director of Procurements, Dr. Lateef Kolapo Ajao; Director of the Centre for Information, Communication and Public Relations (CICPR), Mr. Sunday Adepoju; and Mr. Samson Oladejo of CICPR.
The Executive Director of CESVO, Prince Salih Musa Yakubu, commended the Rector for his sterling achievements. He remarked:
“The polytechnic under your leadership has been nominated among the top 10 most ethically responsible, corrupt-free, and examination-ethics-compliant federal polytechnics in Nigeria, having performed creditably well during the period under review.”
As part of the honour, CESVO pledged to train 100 staff members and 100 students of the institution on ethics and values, after which participants will be issued certificates.
The stream of recognition did not stop there. On October 1, 2025, Dr. Abdul-Hameed was conferred with the 2025 Award of Pioneer Leader in Technical Education and the 2025 Best Rector of the Year. He was also celebrated with the Face of Living Hero of Academic World Award 2025 by the Life Value Awareness and Leadership Secure Initiative (LIVALS), in acknowledgment of his contributions to technical education, entrepreneurship development, and philanthropy.
The citation accompanying the awards lauded him as “a shining beacon of inspiration, a role model of integrity, and a rare asset to Nigeria’s educational landscape,” stressing that his track record as the pioneer Rector has laid “indelible foundations of progress” for Federal Polytechnic, Ayede.
Indeed, the Federal Polytechnic Ayede community continues to celebrate Dr. Abdul-Hameed’s remarkable feats in leadership, integrity, and service, which have not only brought honour to the institution but have also positioned it among Nigeria’s most promising citadels of learning.
…Sunday Adepoju is acting Director, Centre for Information, Communication and Public Relations (CICPR), Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.