By Sunday Adepoju
The highly respected and esteemed Governing Council of the rapidly growing Federal Polytechnic Ayede will arrive on the campus this Monday for their inaugural visit. This marks a significant milestone for the only federal polytechnic in Oyo State, as it is the council’s first visit since being inaugurated in Abuja last month.
The entire polytechnic community, led by Rector Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, has eagerly anticipated the arrival of the second Governing Council for their first meeting. This will be the sixth Council since the institution’s establishment in 2021.
The pioneering Governing Council, ably led by legal luminary Professor Dakas Clement James Dakas (SAN) and other eminent Nigerians, has made invaluable contributions that have propelled the institution to its current level. The feat achieved thus far cannot be discussed without recognizing the efforts of the Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and Units, as well as the staff, who have faced the challenges of establishing the institution.
The relentless efforts of the pioneer council and management have resulted in Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s string of firsts among its 2021 peers. Notably, the institution was the first to invite the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in November 2022 for a resource inspection, leading to the approval of four Departments: Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Science Laboratory Technology, and Statistics.
Determined to expand its programme offerings, the institution invited the NBTE again in December 2023 for resource verification. This led to the approval of eight more National Diploma (ND) programmes, including Accountancy, Business Administration and Management, Public Administration, Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology, Agricultural Technology, Tourism Management Technology, Urban and Regional Planning, and Estate Management and Valuation.
When the previous council was dissolved, the federal government appointed a new progress-personified and highly resourceful council, led by Barrister (Mrs.) Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu. The council members include Alhaji Aminu Bala Sokoto, Chief (Mrs.) Monisola Tegbe, Alhaji Modu Goba Minter, Chief Matthew Adesanya, and representatives from the host community and Federal Ministry of Education.
Each of these distinguished Nigerians, with a wealth of experience, is expected to contribute significantly to the continued progress of the fast-growing institution, which is renowned for meeting the needs of society in terms of entrepreneurship and skills development.
As the council chairperson and members from across the country visit the polytechnic for the first time, the institution extends a warm welcome and wishes them a safe trip to Oyo State, Ogbomoso, and the polytechnic campuses in Iresa-Pupa (take-off site) and Ayede (permanent site) in Surulere and Ogo Oluwa Local Government Areas, respectively.
The institution appeals to all stakeholders, including the host communities, traditional rulers, community leaders, the political class, and organizations, to be hospitable and maintain a robust relationship with the council. This will contribute to the institution’s accelerated development.
The management and the new governing council are urged to seek the support of various stakeholders at the federal, state, and local government levels to realize their lofty ideas and development plans. Additionally, individuals, private organizations, and philanthropists are advised to channel their influence towards the growth and development of the young institution.
It is noteworthy that the institution has already received donations of projects and facilities from various sons and daughters of the Ogbomoso communities, such as Alhaji Lamidi Monsur Ayoade, Chief Festus Ajani, Alhaji (Chief) Alimi Sarumi, and Arc. Sakiru Suara Morafa. Contributions have also come from the Ogbomosoland Consultative Council (OCC) and the Ogbomoso Pivotal Club.
From the beginning, the roles of traditional institutions, such as the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola JP, Ajiboye III, and the Onpetu of Ijeru kingdom, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran, Lagbami Osekun III, have been instrumental in the institution’s development.
Of great importance is the expected role of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afọlabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, in the area of education, as outlined in the 25-Year Development Plan for Ogbomosoland. As a first-class monarch with international connections and exposure, the institution believes he will contribute significantly to its progress.
At the institution’s permanent site in Ayede, many projects are ongoing, and there is a need for the new council to complement the management’s efforts in facilitating access roads from Idi Araba, Odo Oba, or Oolo axes of Ogbomoso. The lack of access roads is the primary factor hindering the institution from commencing administrative and academic activities at the permanent site. Electricity, security, and other basic amenities are also concerns that need to be addressed.
It is, therefore, imperative for the management and the new council to revisit the Oyo State government, based on the earlier established relationship led by the pioneer council with the support of traditional institutions. The institution calls on Governor Seyi Makinde, who hosts the polytechnic, to assist in addressing the aforementioned challenges.
As the Governing Council embarks on its inaugural visit, the entire polytechnic community eagerly awaits their arrival and looks forward to their contributions towards the institution’s continued growth and development. The visit marks a significant milestone in the history of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, and the institution is poised to harness the council’s wealth of experience to propel the institution to greater heights.