The Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State has celebrated a significant milestone on Tuesday with the successful matriculation of its second batch of students for the 2023/2024 academic session.
A total of 381 students from the Schools of Science and Technology, Engineering Technology, Agricultural Technology, Environmental Technology as well as Management Sciences, covering 12 departments were matriculated.
The departments included Agricultural Technology, Science Laboratory Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, Electrical Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Statistics, Tourism Management Technology, Accountancy, Business Administration and Managenent, Public Administration Urban and Regional Planning as well as Estate Management and Valuatiion.
The ceremony, held at the Polytechnic’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, highlighted the institution’s commitment to fostering innovative and technically skilled graduates poised to drive societal development and economic growth.
Addressing academic gathering, the Rector, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, hailed the polytechnic’s drastic growth and leadership among its peers since its inception in 2021.
“Today marks another milestone in our pursuit of academic excellence and entrepreneurship training as we matriculate our second set of students,” declared Dr. Abdul-Hameed.
Highlighting the institution’s rapid expansion, he emphasised the approval and expansion of the twelve National Diploma programmes, illustrating its commitment to equipping students with diverse skills crucial to the contemporary workforce.
Dr. Abdul-Hameed, a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, also pointed out that the enrollment of 381 Full-Time and Daily Part-Time students underscored the Polytechnic’s position as a prominent educational hub among its peers established sane time.
Reflecting on the Polytechnic’s achievements since the last matriculation, the Rector emphasised significant advancements in skills development and infrastructure enhancement.
He highlighted notable initiatives such as staff participation in entrepreneurship workshops, accreditation as a training centre for national skills qualification frameworks, and substantial equipment acquisitions funded through TETFUND.
“In addition to academic pursuits, we emphasise entrepreneurship and practical skills development,” he stated.
Speaking further, Abdul-Hameed, a holder of three different master’s degrees and two doctorate degrees in the field of engineering, added that initiatives such as the “Entrepreneurship Orientation Webinar 2.0″ and partnerships with external agencies like SMEDAN have empowered students to register their businesses and pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
In his address to the matriculating students, the Rector urged them to embrace the institution’s motto of “Learning, Dexterity, and Morals”, stressing the importance of integrity and responsibility in their academic journey.
“Your education here should not only focus on academic knowledge but also on developing critical thinking and ethical values,” he advised, emphasising the importance of integrity and responsibility in shaping future leaders.
While expressing gratitude to supporters and calling for continued collaboration to address infrastructure needs, including road networks and basic amenities at the polytechnic’s permanent site, the Rector appealed for ongoing support from stakeholders, local and international communities, as well as philanthropists, to propel Federal Polytechnic Ayede towards greater heights.