The City of Ogbomoso recently witnessed a historic gathering as scholars, policymakers, traditional rulers, students, and community leaders converged on the Great Hall of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) for the maiden Ogbomoso Education Summit.
The summit, convened under the visionary leadership of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, carried the theme “Community Partnership in Education in Ogbomosoland.” It was a moment of unity where diverse stakeholders came together to chart a new course for the future of education in the region.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE), reaffirmed the institution’s role as a rising force in Nigeria’s education landscape. He noted the school’s rapid progress since its establishment, from pioneering programmes to full accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), a workforce drawn from 24 states, and a steadily growing enrollment expected to surpass 1,200 students across 13 academic departments in the new session.
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In a remarkable gesture that underscored the summit’s theme, Dr. Abdul-Hameed announced a ₦2 million donation, immediately supported by the Governing Council Chairman, Hon. Yakubu Dati (FNIPR), who added ₦1 million. Their combined ₦3 million pledge was hailed by participants as a shining example of leadership by action, not words.
The Rector also emphasized the polytechnic’s unique innovation, a compulsory course, History and Culture of Ogbomoso, for all first-year students. According to him, the initiative is not just academic but cultural, aimed at grounding students in their heritage and instilling pride and identity alongside technical knowledge.
The presence of the Soun of Ogbomoso and his council of chiefs lent royal weight to the gathering, while dignitaries from across Oyo State, including government officials, principals, teachers, and civil society leaders, joined in robust conversations on how to expand opportunities, upgrade infrastructure, and sustain scholarship schemes for young people.
Speakers at the summit commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to repositioning education as a national priority. They described institutions like Federal Polytechnic Ayede as living testaments to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing out that the President’s vision for accessible, high-quality education is already yielding tangible results in communities like Ogbomoso.
The summit closed on a note of renewed optimism, with participants resolving to deepen collaboration between government, institutions, traditional leadership, and the community. For many, the donations by the Rector and Council Chairman symbolized the type of selfless sacrifice required to move education forward, while the strong presence of stakeholders underscored Ogbomoso’s determination to build an enduring legacy of knowledge, culture, and opportunity for future generations.
