The Federal Polytechnic Ayede has officially welcomed Honourable Yakubu Dati as the new Chairman of its Governing Council, following his appointment by His Excellency, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Hon. Dati, a distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR), succeeds Barrister (Mrs.) Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu, who served as the institution’s second Governing Council Chairperson. She, in turn, took over from the pioneer Chairman, Professor Dakas Clement James Dakas, SAN a globally recognized legal luminary. These leaders have all played vital roles in shaping the vision of the polytechnic, which is set to become a world-class hub for technical and innovative education in Nigeria.
The new Chairman brings with him a wealth of experience across multiple disciplines. Born on May 22, 1962 in Plateau State, Hon. Dati studied Theatre Arts at the University of Jos, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986. He also holds a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy, as well as a Diploma in Airport Operations from the Airports Council International in Montreal, Canada.
His impressive public service record includes multiple commissioner roles in Plateau State’s Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning (2019-2023), Information and Communications (2018-2019), Information and Strategy (2005-2007), and Youth and Sports (2003-2005). At the federal level, he served as the spokesperson for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from 2012 to 2015, overseeing communications for all aviation-related agencies under the Ministry of Aviation. He also served as Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and as Executive Chairman of Mikang Local Government Area (1999-2002).
Hon. Dati is widely respected for his advocacy of democratic dialogue and stakeholder engagement, and for his role in shaping policy and communication strategies within the Nigerian political and administrative landscape.
His appointment as the third Governing Council Chairman of Federal Polytechnic Ayede marks another promising chapter in the institution’s rapid growth and development. The polytechnic community is confident that under his leadership, the institution will continue to thrive and fulfill its mission of producing enterprising and innovative graduates.
On behalf of the Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE, FNIEEE, FIMC, FIPMD, FIPQM), as well as other Principal Officers, staff, and students, we warmly welcome Honourable Yakubu Dati and wish him success in his new role.
