Education
Ogbomoso group gives financial support to Federal Poly Ayede
The Pivotal Club of Ogbomoso, comprising prominent sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland in Nigeria and overseas, has donated a sum of N1million to the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, as a support grant for the Polytechnic ICT Centre.
Established about forty years ago, the indigenous group has positioned itself to give back to society especially to the development of sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland, particularly on Education and Information Computer and Technology.
Speaking shortly after the donation on Wednesday in Ogbomoso, the President of the Club, Sir Orimadegun Agboade, explained that since its establishment, the club has been offering free computer training in the ICT facility donated by Senator Ayo Adeseun.
He added that they decided to donate to the citadel of learning since the gesture fell within the area the club had carved out for its intervention programmes.
“When the news came to us that the Federal Polytechnic Ayede will require support for the kickoff of her ICT centre, we are pleased because it fell within the area we have carved out for ourselves to intervene in Pivotal club.
“In a demonstration of our support to the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, the club has decided to give a token of N1 million as a support grant for the Polytechnic ICT Centre”, the chairman declared.
Also commenting at the event, Senator Ayo Adeseun, who had earlier donated his ICT training centre to the infant institution, noted that Ogbomoso town is fortunate to have housed the federal polytechnic.
He continued, “we are very fortunate that this project, that is Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, became a reality in our time. We are happy as well with the team managing and running the Polytechnic. We are fortunate that among the Polytechnics so established at about the same time, Federal Polytechnic, Ayede is leading, especially at the stage she is now”.
Expressing concern over the growing rate of unemployment in Nigeria, the former lawmaker urged the institution to as a matter of necessity consider entrepreneurship in its curriculum.
“This is important so that the students can develop functional vocational and technical skills to contribute meaningfully to the development of the town, and the nation especially when the white collar job is almost not available anymore”, he counselled.
Senator Adeseun further hinted that the process of releasing the Technical College, Ogbomoso to the Polytechnic by the Oyo state government is about to be completed, appealing to individuals and corporate organizations to assist the institution with facilities and other logistics while the route to the permanent site is navigated.
In his remarks, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Dr Taofeeq Abdul-Hameed expressed profound appreciation to the club, assuring them of putting the donation of the club to the most judicious use.
In a statement by the institution’s Corporate Communications Committee, the Rector equally restated the management’s commitment to sustaining the trust the club and other donors reposed in them by making sure that the students benefit maximally from the ICT Centre being equipped with the promise to use the monetary donation effectively.
“I want to sincerely appreciate the contributions of the Ogbomoso Pivotal Club and extend my greetings to our leaders and fathers, Dr Saka Adegbite Balogun, Senator Hamzat Ayoade Adeseun and all present at the event in Ragaray Hotel, Ogbomoso.
“We appreciate the gesture from Ogbomoso Pivotal Club. We shall not take this for granted. We shall put the donation of the club to the most judicious use. On behalf of the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede Ogbomoso, other Governing Council members, the Management and Staff and prospective students of the school, we sincerely appreciate the contribution which will in no small measure help us in positioning the School’s Department of Computer Science and ICT Centre properly for the objective it was established for”, the Rector said.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the commencement of its Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBWASSCE) for private candidates, starting from October 25, 2024.
The examination is set to run until December 20, 2024, according to a statement released by the council on Tuesday.
In a bid to modernise the examination process, WAEC disclosed that the CBWASSCE will be conducted in a hybrid format.
Adesina Fadekemi, the council’s spokesperson, explained that the objective or multiple-choice questions would be displayed onscreen, requiring candidates to submit their responses electronically.
However, for essay and practical questions, while the questions will also be presented digitally, candidates will still provide answers using traditional answer booklets.
Additionally, WAEC has provided an option for candidates who prefer to use the conventional Paper and Pen mode for all exam papers, catering to those not comfortable with the digital format.
The council also extended the registration deadline for the upcoming CBWASSCE to Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Candidates who miss the registration window can still take advantage of the “Walk-in-Candidate” option, allowing them to register 24 hours before their preferred paper is scheduled.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, has reaffirmed his commitment to aiding the Federal Polytechnic Ayede in realising its full potential.
Senator Akintunde made this pledge during a courtesy visit to the institution’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday.
Speaking during the visit, the lawmaker highlighted his passion for contributing to humanity, especially through the advancement of education and skills development.
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“I am part of the polytechnic system. I started at The Polytechnic, Ibadan before going to Lagos State University, Ojoo, Lagos. I’m a lover of knowledge and I am always striving to contribute my quota in the area of education and skills development, among others, and in the legislative assignments as my primary responsibility,” he stated.
The APC chieftain further emphasised his dedication to supporting the Polytechnic and its community, stating that leaders should be driven by a commitment to serving humanity.
He cited the legacy of Hon. Olu Afolabi, a Second Republic House of Representatives member, who was instrumental in establishing the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
“Afolabi’s legacy remains evergreen today,” Akintunde remarked, emphasising the importance of creating lasting impacts through public service.
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As part of his developmental projects for the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Akintunde disclosed that he had procured 120 solar-powered boreholes to be installed across the 118 wards of the 11 local governments in his senatorial district, along with 10,000 solar street lights.
He assured the Federal Polytechnic Ayede that some of these solar street lights would be installed within the institution to enhance security and visibility on campus.
Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, who was represented by the acting Rector and Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr. Azeez Ojo, expressed gratitude to the senator.
The Rector noted that Senator Akintunde had demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropic causes even before assuming office as a senator.
“You see, it’s a great privilege receiving Distinguished Senator Yunus Akintunde and his entourage on our campus today. Out of your magnanimity, Sir, you have decided to receive us,” Ojo said, acknowledging the senator’s gesture.
“Our Rector is away to Abuja for the progress and development of our Polytechnic. So, on behalf of the Chairman of our Governing Council, Barrister Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu; Rector; other Principal Officers; Deans; Directors; staff, and students, I welcome you and your entourage to Federal Polytechnic Ayede.
“While on Brave FM, you have, before even telling us, announced the gesture of solar lights donated to us. This we appreciate with the whole of our hearts,” he said.
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The Rector assured the lawmaker that his support would be instrumental in the continued growth and development of the fast-expanding institution.
The visit concluded with the Polytechnic community expressing hope for further collaboration with the senator in the areas of educational and infrastructural development.
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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised serious concerns over the mass exit of 30 PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University, citing deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions as primary reasons for the exodus.
The worrying development was brought to light during a press conference held by ASUU on Friday, where officials of the union detailed the various challenges faced by academic staff at the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the union, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, lamented the lack of proper policies to retain top scholars, pointing out the absence of a formal employee exit policy.
“Many of our best scholars have been forced to seek better opportunities elsewhere,” Timothy said, adding that “SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place, as obtained in the structured public service regulation in the country.”
He further explained that the lack of such provisions leaves academic staff insecure about their future. “Without a pension or death benefit scheme, our members feel unsafe and unsure of their long-term prospects,” Timothy remarked.
In addition to these grievances, the union condemned the university’s administration for its failure to pay over 650 million naira in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners. This has further deepened the discontent among staff members.
“Despite the university generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy disclosed.
The union also raised concerns over the sharp increase in student fees, coupled with the administration’s neglect of staff training and development.
Timothy criticised the university for imposing over a 100 percent hike in fees for regular undergraduate programmes, yet failing to address staff welfare.
“The university claims it lacks funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students,” he stated.
ASUU also expressed displeasure with the continued tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has remained in office since the university’s inception.
The union called for adherence to established regulations governing appointments, arguing that the prolonged tenure has stifled accountability and hindered the implementation of progressive policies.
In light of these critical issues, ASUU urged the Bauchi State Government and other stakeholders to take immediate action to address staff welfare, calling for the establishment of a comprehensive exit policy and the payment of overdue allowances.
“Unless these issues are resolved, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU,” Timothy warned.
He further called on the state government to declare a state of emergency at the university to ensure that all contentious matters are urgently addressed, securing the future of both academic staff and the institution.
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