Federal Polytechnic Ayede Showcases Rapid Growth Ahead of Maiden Combined Convocation

Federal Polytechnic Ayede has spotlighted its academic, infrastructural, and research achievements during its first-ever Pre-Convocation Press Briefing at the Permanent Site.

The Pioneer Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, FNSE, addressed the media ahead of the Polytechnic’s maiden combined convocation ceremonies for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions.

Established on January 19, 2021, the institution has, within five years, expanded from an initial four National Diploma programmes to thirteen NBTE-approved ND programmes across five Schools, covering Engineering, Environmental, Agricultural, Management, and Science and Technology disciplines. The expansion reflects a strong trajectory in technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial education.

Dr. Abdul-Hameed emphasized the Polytechnic’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and media partnership. “This engagement is not only historic; it reflects our commitment to showcasing achievements in a very short time,” he said.

The convocation activities, which began with a Church Service at the Temporary Site in Iresa-Pupa, include a Novelty Match between teaching and non-teaching staff, a maiden Convocation Lecture by Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, and chaired by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, GCON. The grand ceremony will see 325 graduands awarded National Diplomas, prizes presented, and the Fellowship of the Polytechnic conferred on distinguished figures, including Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, Dr. Adelabu Adedeji, and Engr. Dr. Abubakar Isa.

The Rector acknowledged the support of key stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Education, NBTE, TETFund, the Governing Council led by Hon. Yakubu Dati (FNIPR), traditional rulers, host communities, Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde, and the Chairman of Ogo-Oluwa Local Government, Hon. Seun Ojo. Special recognition was given to Dr. Adelabu Adedeji for facilitating the access road project from Idi-Araba, now under construction.

Through the Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (CSAED), every graduand earns at least two additional vocational certificates to boost employability and entrepreneurship. The combined convocation will graduate 325 students, including 138 from 2023/2024 and 187 from 2024/2025, with top distinctions awarded to Miss Taiwo Ibukunoluwa Arinola (Science Laboratory Technology) and Mr. Olapese Quadri Ayofe (Agricultural Technology), both achieving a CGPA of 3.96.

In five years, the Polytechnic has executed 68 major projects across its campuses, supported by TETFund interventions, federal allocations, consult initiatives, and donor contributions. Ongoing projects include a Main Library, Multi-Skills Centre, Electrical/Electronics Laboratories, and a 33KVA power installation. Research has also been a priority, with over 90 institution-based projects and nine TETFund fabrication projects addressing practical challenges in agriculture, construction, food processing, and digital manufacturing.

Dr. Abdul-Hameed highlighted staff development, with 15 academic staff benefiting from TETFund postgraduate scholarships and over 190 staff attending local and international conferences and trainings. He reaffirmed the Polytechnic’s commitment to consolidating operations at the Permanent Site while appealing for continued support in access roads, hostels, potable water, electricity, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and recreational facilities.

“The government alone cannot meet all these needs in the shortest possible time. We call on partners, agencies, communities, and individuals to join us in building this institution into a model Polytechnic,” he urged.

The press briefing underscored how vision, leadership, and community collaboration have propelled Federal Polytechnic Ayede from inception to a thriving academic institution, setting the stage for its first graduating cohorts to emerge as skilled and entrepreneurial professionals.