The Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has commended the institution’s growing reputation in entrepreneurship and skills development, while urging government authorities and traditional rulers to support the construction of access roads to its permanent site.
Chairman of the Council, Honourable Yakubu Dati, made the call on Thursday during an inspection of the institution’s Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (CSAED) located in Onipaanu, Surulere Local Government Area.
Dati praised the management, led by the Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, for its impressive achievements within the polytechnic’s few years of establishment, noting that the entrepreneurial focus aligns with national efforts to tackle unemployment and equip graduates with practical skills.
According to him, one of the major obstacles delaying the full relocation of the institution to its permanent site at Ayede, in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area, remains the poor condition of roads connecting the campus through Idi Araba, Oolo, and Odo-Oba.
“We’re impressed with the level of development at the permanent site — about thirteen completed buildings, including an administrative block, medical centre, and a library,” Dati said. “However, the lack of good access roads limits the usage of these facilities. We are appealing to the Federal and Oyo State governments, and we as a council will also leverage our networks to reach relevant authorities for intervention.”
He expressed gratitude to the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, for his ongoing support and commitment to the institution’s progress, stating that the monarch’s advocacy is vital for accelerating infrastructural development in the area.
Dati further lauded the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and other federal agencies for their contributions to the polytechnic’s growth, pledging continued collaboration to realise the vision for the institution.
In his remarks, Rector Engr. Dr. Abdul-Hameed reaffirmed the management’s resolve to complete the relocation process, urging stakeholders and host communities to remain supportive.
“We are committed to this cause and working tirelessly to overcome every challenge,” the Rector said. “Our students have been cooperative, and our management team remains focused on ensuring Federal Polytechnic Ayede becomes a model of entrepreneurship-driven education.”
He also acknowledged the roles of the institution’s principal officers, deans, directors, and staff in steering the polytechnic’s rapid progress.
The representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Chinyere Nwokorie, who accompanied the Council on the inspection, commended the institution’s entrepreneurship initiatives, describing Federal Polytechnic Ayede as a trailblazer among its contemporaries.
“Among its peers, Federal Polytechnic Ayede stands out,” she noted, urging the management to sustain its commitment to innovation and skills development.
Council members, including Dr. Abraham Okunade, Alhaji Aminu Sokoto, and Alhaji Goba Minter, expressed satisfaction with the institution’s strides, especially in vocational training and institutional development, despite being one of the country’s youngest polytechnics.
Director of the CSAED, Mr. Oluwaseun Owojori, briefed the visitors on the centre’s programmes, noting that it currently runs NBTE-approved courses in electrical installation, plumbing, and interior decoration, with plans to introduce garment making and social media communication.
“Our students receive hands-on training, practical demonstrations, and certification in these skills, making them job creators rather than job seekers,” he explained.
The visit concluded with a presentation of some products made by students at the centre, including leather footwear, germicides, and liquid soap, to the Governing Council members.
