…Urges Ogundoyin Polytechnic Graduands to Uphold Integrity, Be Ambassadors
The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, has reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education, noting that information communication technology and skills training remain pivotal to Oyo’s growth and development.
Lawal stated this on Friday during the combined convocation of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, which covered the 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024 academic sessions.
According to him, the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde recognises that education must be holistic and aligned with global standards, hence the priority accorded to technical and vocational learning.
“Education is the bedrock of development, and without it, society cannot progress. This is why the present administration has placed education at the forefront. In the current budget, education takes 20.88 per cent, surpassing UNESCO’s benchmark of 20 per cent,” Lawal said.
He assured that the state government would continue to support tertiary institutions through increased funding, infrastructure upgrades, and improved accreditation processes. He also promised that the request for the regularisation of part-time workers would soon be addressed.
Charging the graduating students, Lawal emphasised that academic success must go hand in hand with strong character, creativity, and moral discipline. “Certificates alone do not guarantee long-term success; integrity and innovation are equally important,” he added.
In his welcome address, Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Olugbade Akinteye, commended the Makinde administration for its consistent support, which he said has enabled the institution to achieve tremendous growth. He highlighted that in 2024, the polytechnic was ranked the third-best in Nigeria by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Dr. Akinteye also disclosed that several new Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes, including Estate Management, Marketing, Accountancy, Public Administration, and Fashion Design & Clothing Technology, had been accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) within the last three years.
Some graduating students expressed appreciation to the government and management of the school for providing them with an enabling environment to excel, pledging to uphold the values imparted to them.
The ceremony also featured the conferment of an honorary award on the Chairman of Ace Mall, Prince Adeyinka Afonja, for his longstanding contributions to the institution.
Dignitaries present included the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; traditional rulers led by the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola; alumni, and top government officials.
