…as institution graduates 15,920
Oyo State government, Engineer Seyi Makinde on Friday, tasked the polytechnic Ibadan to use its technological training and Know-how to develop Solar power that will serve areas within the institution.
The governor, who was represented by the commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu said Polytechnic/Technical education is the basic foundation for technological development of any nation.
He challenged the institution to do more, especially in the area of technological training, science, innovation, and creativity, which will make the products of the Institution self-employed as well as employers of labour. He explained that the Polytechnic, Ibadan was the first institution that his administration released the sum of Two Hundred Million Naira (N200,000,000:00) only for the accreditation and re-accreditation of its academic programmes by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
He maintained that the Polytechnic of Ibadan is one of the institutions that brought glory and fame to Oyo state. He enjoined the graduands to be self-employed as well as employers of labour.
He noted that the students with technological background will not have plans to ‘japa’ but rather join hands with the government to develop the state. He stressed that 20.88% has just been budgeted for Education, saying this has shown the commitment his administration has for education.
He therefore, pledged to continue to give moral and financial support for the Polytechnic of Ibadan. Earlier in his speech, the rector, the polytechnic, Ibadan, Prof Kazeem Adeniyi appreciated Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for releasing the sum of two hundred million Naira for the purchase of accreditation equipment and hosting of officials from NBTE.
He explained that a strategic plan of Accelerated Academic, Institutional and Infrastructural Development was developed as a road map to sustainable value creation for operational excellence. He maintained that his objectives such as expanding the capacity of operations and services; financial stability and sustainability; enhancing infrastructure for effective delivery of the Institution’s mandate were achieved. He urged all the graduands to protect the name and integrity of the institution wherever they find themselves.
He appreciated the stakeholders and donors who contributed immensely to the promotion of students and the development of the institution. In his remarks, one of the donors that gave one Million Naira cash award to the best graduating students, Dr.Babatunde Olawore, Director Comfort Eduserve Limited,said the gesture was a demonstration of his commitment to making an impact on the lives and welfare of the students. He said he will continue to contribute his quota for the development of education in the state. He called on the graduands to abide by the morals imparted on them to enable them to excel in their fields of endeavours.
The governor was later commissioned Engineer Seyi Makinde Academic Staff Office Complex and the Institution Radio Reiz 101.9 FM Radio station.