Federal Polytechnic Ayede: The Journey of Remarkable Milestones under Visionary Leadership

In just three short years, Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Ogbomoso, Oyo State has experienced a remarkable transformation that few could have foreseen. Nestled on the outskirts of the historic city, the young Institution has swiftly become a beacon of educational excellence, drawing the attention of discerning parents and guardians eager to secure a brighter future for their children. Against all odds, the Institution has gained recognition, emerging as a premier choice for higher learning.

Federal Polytechnic Ayede, which is located in Ogbomoso zone of Oyo State, is distinguished by outstanding attainments across different domains. Such attainments represent remarkable milestones in diverse fields throughout its journey. 

Established by the Federal Government under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021, the visionary leadership of the Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE, FNIEEE, FIMC) recognizes the pressing need for quality education especially in a time when academic excellence is scarce. To address this, he ensures that every student not only receives a robust theoretical foundation but also engages in practical and entrepreneurial experiences. This holistic approach allows graduates of the Institution to distinguish themselves in a competitive job market. Moreover, he prioritizes the professional development of faculty through timely training in academics, extracurricular activities, entrepreneurship, and global best practices.

The Polytechnic commenced academic activities in 2023 with the NBTE approval for four (4) National Diploma programmes in Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Science Laboratory Technology, and Statistics. Between December 27 and December 30, 2023, the Institution invited the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for Resource Verification of nine National Diploma (ND) programmes that were not granted in the first instance. Interestingly, we secured the NBTE’s approval for eight (8) out of nine, representing 89% success. The Polytechnic now offers National 12 ND programmes: Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Science Laboratory Technology, Statistics, Agricultural Technology, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, Urban and Regional Planning, Estate Management and Valuation, Tourism Management Technology, Accountancy, Business Administration and Management, and Public Administration.

It is not hyperbolic to stress that Federal Polytechnic Ayede represents primus inter pares, having a string of firsts. Among them, it was the first to invite the NBTE for resource inspection; it was the first to admit students; it is, without being boastful, taking a lead among them all.      

Since the establishment of the Polytechnic, the leadership has been tirelessly working to make it a cynosure of academic excellence and entrepreneurship training. Federal Polytechnic Ayede has been envisioned to be a world class Institution for innovative and technical education reputed for adding values to human developments through enterprising and innovative students that have been experiencing innovation and enterprise with a difference in this era of entrepreneurship and self-reliance campaigns.

Projects at Permanent and Temporary Sites

The Federal Polytechnic Ayede stands tall in the area of infrastructure at both its Permanent and Temporary Sites. Through the assiduous, dedicated and bold leadership of the Polytechnic, the following are some of the projects:

1. Completion of Polytechnic Master Plan and Academic Brief for Federal Polytechnic Ayede.

2. Construction and Furnishing of ICT Building for Federal Polytechnic Ayede (CAPITAL)

3. Construction of Administrative Block for Federal Polytechnic Ayede (CAPITAL)

4. Construction of Library Building for Federal Polytechnic Ayede (CAPITAL)

5. Electrification for Federal Polytechnic Ayede (CAPITAL)

6. Construction of Medical Centre/Sick Bay (TETFUND)

7. Main Entrance Gate (TETFUND)

8. Construction of Twin Departmental Building (TETFUND)

9. Main Administrative Block for Federal Polytechnic Ayede (TETFUND)

10. Construction and Furnishing of Department of Urban and Regional Planning (TETFUND)

11. Construction and Furnishing of 230 seaters Lecture Theatre (TETFUND)

12. Construction of Administrative Building (CAPITAL)

13. Construction of Mechanical Workshop (CAPITAL)

14. Construction of General Toilet (CAPITAL)

15. Construction of Students’ Multi-Skill Centre (CAPITAL)

16. Construction of Perimeter Fence (CAPITAL)

17. Construction of 120m deep and 5m Tank Stand (Steel) Borehole (CAPITAL)

18. Construction and Provision of Electrical Equipment for supply of Electricity (CAPITAL)

19. Procurement of Utility Vehicles (CAPITAL)

20. Procurement of Software (CAPITAL)

21. Procurement of Computers and other Office Equipment (CAPITAL)

22. Procurement of Laboratory Equipment (CAPITAL)

23. Procurement of Furniture and Fittings (CAPITAL)

COMPLETED DONATED PROJECTS AT THE PERMANENT SITE ATTRACTED BY THE PIONEER RECTOR

24. Construction and Furnishing of Administrative Building (Administrative Seat) at the Temporary Campus, Iresaapa.

25. Construction and Furnishing of Two (2) Blocks of three (3) Classroom each by Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMWH)

26. Construction of Exit Gate House by Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMWH)

27. Construction of Agroforestry Enterprises Centre by Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN)

PROJECTS AND OTHER RENOVATIONS AT THE TEMPORARY SITE

1. One Administrative Block at the Temporary Site donated by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing through a notable indigene of Ogbomoso.

2. Completion of Auditorium funded by TETFund 2023 Annual Intervention Project

3. Construction of 14 Lock-Up Shops by the Polytechnic Consults.  

4. Apart from some renovations the Polytechnic made on the facilities already in place at the National Youth Development Centre, Iresa Pupa, our Royal Father of inestimable value, the Aresa Pupa of Iresa Pupa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Moses Olayiwola, Ajiboye III JP, has facilitated the following projects:

ii. A completed block of large lecture room containing an office and three toilets funded by Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc in honour of an illustrious son of Ogbomoso community, Alhaji Lamidi Monsur Ayoade of Ejide Enterprises for his outstanding contributions to the FMN B2C 2021/2022 business performance.

iii. Donation of Hannah Oladebo Ajani Lecture Hall with toilets donated by Mr Festus Oladejo Ajani, the C.E.O. of Food Solutions International Ltd., based in Ikeja, Lagos.

iv. An ongoing block of three classrooms with 12 toilets donated by Alhaji (Chief) Alimi Sarumi, the first Basorun Musulumi of Ogbomosoland.

Donation of Iresa Pupa Community Health Centre for the Polytechnic community.

Entrepreneurship Development

Since its launch, our Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (CSAED) recorded significant successes. The Directorate’s leadership did hit the ground running, striving for excellence in line with the vision and mission of the Polytechnic. The leadership of the Polytechnic has been able to sustain and improve her Skills and Entrepreneurship Development Programmes. A sizable number staff have attended sessions of Entrepreneurship Skills Development Workshop organised by the NBTE and funded by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). Also, many staff of the Polytechnic have attended the training session for Quality Assurance Assessors which was meant to qualify them as Quality Assurance Assessors as a prerequisite for the Polytechnic to house a Training Centre for National Skills Qualification Framework.

The NBTE approved the Polytechnic to train our students and trainees from outside skills in Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Plumbing Installation and Maintenance, Paint Making and Decoration from this session onward. Also, through funding from TETFund, the Polytechnic was supplied with equipment, tools and consumables worth millions of naira during the period. This capacity development has paid off and our students are benefitting from it.

It is imperative to note the yearly programme tagged “Entrepreneurship Orientation Webinar 2.0” which was held with the attendant benefits accruing to the students. The Institituion had another training programme in conjunction with Soaring Scholar Impact; it was an initiative that inspired students towards all-round excellence in their academic and entrepreneurship journey. As at today, our students, particularly those who just finished their final examinations have registered their businesses with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), awaiting further business support and financing through the Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (CSAED) of our Polytechnic.

The Institution now has FEDPA Entrepreneurs Club to cater for students interested in Business and Entrepreneurship, and harness their potentials in creating, managing and sustaining small and medium enterprises under mentorship and supervision of accomplished entrepreneurs within and outside the campus. This is an alternative to social vices and avenue to use their time positively.

It is interesting to note that our students will have two certificates at their graduation; one for academic and the second for Entrepreneurship Skill Development that will equip them to be job and wealth creators. They will no longer need to look for jobs, but rather create jobs and wealth for themselves and others. With this, we will be fulfilling our vision and mission.

The listed items have also been part of our successes as an Institution:

1. Three Toyota Hilux vehicles

2. Two utility vehicles, i.e. 1nr Toyota Corolla and 1nr Toyota Hilux 

3. 40nr computers and other office equipment like printers, scanners etc.

4. Procurement of several training equipment for entrepreneurship in the areas of plumbing, painting and electrical installation 

5. Procurement of 1nr 500KVA transformer and other accessories like feeder pillar, cables, wire fence etc.

6. Office, laboratory and teaching aids including 40nr laptops, 4nr interactive boards, among others

7. Construction of 30KVA solar energy with 48 panels and 24 batteries and other accessories for library and computer networking

8. Installation of computer server with 30nr thin cloud systems and 15nr 3-in-1 desktop systems and networking

9. Construction of another 1nr administrative block with offices

10. Construction of mechanical workshop with offices and 1nr large workshop hall

11. Construction of part of perimeter fence at the permanent site

12. Construction of Urban and Regional Departmental Building with offices, classrooms, studios, studio tables and chairs with external works

13. Construction of 230-Seater Auditorium at Iresa-Pupa Temporary Site with offices, iron roofing rafters, POP ceiling, fully air-conditioned, full public address system and external works

14. Construction of 1nr borehole at Iresa-Pupa temporary site

15. Construction of 1nr block with 4 space toilets at Iresa-Pupa

16. Ongoing construction of 1nr block of students multi-skill centre

17. Ongoing construction of 1nr storey-building library complex

18. Procurement of several assorted books, journals, furniture and equipment for the Polytechnic Library 

19. Procurement of several modern furniture and lot of other office fittings like laptops, air-conditions, CCTV in the Rector’s Office, television sets, refrigerators, microwaves, suite hangers, safe boxes, cabinets, 

20. Conferences for 67 staff members 

21. Staff training and development for over 15 staff

22. Institutional Based Research for 36 staff

23. Manuscript sponsor for staff 

24. Website Development and Upgrading including e-transcript, e-collection, e-receipt, Management Information System (MIS), etc. with Software Installation for student training.

There were 36 Institutional Based Research applied for and approved, representing 100% success; 6 equipment fabrication applied for and approved, representing 100% success; 16 Academic Staff Training and Development applied for and 15 granted, representing 94% success; 81 beneficiaries applied for local and international workshops as well as conferences and 67 were approved, representing 84% success.

Also in the area of academics, the Polytechnic has successfully organized workshops for lecturers, non-teaching and technical staf; hosted two resource verification exercises. Equipment fabrication were applied for and approved by TETfund. 15 academic staff applied for Academic Staff Training and Development and all were approved.

Also, 67 academic and non-teaching staff applied for both local and international workshops and all were approved. There was approval of three journals for the institution. The approved journals are: “Ayede Journal of Management Sciences” (AJMS); “Ayede journal of Engineering and Environmental Technology” (AJEET) and “Ayede journal of Sciences and Technology” (AJST).

Human Development

Our commitment to human development and capacity building is worthy of note. Many of our staff have had accesses to trainings/workshops and conferences within and outside Nigeria. It is our belief that these trainings and conferences and subsequent ones will equip our staff to deliver their duties at optimal level.The trainings, conferences and workshops have been very impactful.

The strides of Federal Polytechnic Ayede cannot never be complete without the following.:

Security

The Institution has made great marks in its efforts to protect the lives and property of staff, students, and schools. There is a good working relationship between the Institution and security outfits, including the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Navy Secondary School in Iresa-Pupa, and the Western Nigeria Security Outfit (Amotekun). The Institution has a very strong security office handling security matters, headed by an expert in the field.

Welfare

In the area of welfare, frantic efforts were made to ensure that staff welfare was not compromised at any time. The provision of end-of-year packages for both staff and other stakeholders is a testament to this.

Institutional Image

The leadership has built a strong and formidable image for the institution despite its infancy. Due process and diligence have been the watchwords of the institution’s operations, which has greatly helped it become a point of reference amongst its peers, including foremost polytechnics. Regulatory agencies have always praised the leadership’s efforts in setting a solid foundation and making the Institution proud in almost all its outings.

Sports Activities

In the area of sports, the Polytechnic has been making remarkable impacts, even at its infant stage. Importantly, reference should be made to the Nigerian Polytechnic Senior Staff Games (NIPOSSGA) and the maiden Rector’s Cup, which is another stride. It is interesting to note that Federal Polytechnic Ayede was the only institution amongst the newly established ones that featured at the 2023 NIPOSSGA tournament held at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State. Federal Polytechnic Ayede has a strong interest in sports, and its leadership is working towards a befitting sports complex at the Iresa-Pupa Temporary Site.

Establishment of Polytechnic Consults

This is another milestone of the present administration in the history of the Institution. Consults has greatly helped in areas such as provision of employment and supplies for the host communities, construction of the Consults Complex, renovation of two blocks of classrooms, production of quality blocks, and sales of cement. Special intervention during the NBTE resource verification exercise and many other times formed parts of its success stories.

Prepared by:

Protocols and Public Relations Unit, Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State.