Education
Oyo govt. spends N67 Million annually on food for students with disability.
Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela has said that the state government under Governor Abiola Ajimobi has spent N67,464, 000.00 on school feeding programme for pupils in the hostel of Government Special Schools in twelve months.
He said this on Wednesday during his keynote address at the 8th Edition of Music, Dance and Play Festival for persons with disabilities held at the National Museum of Unity, Alesinloye, Ibadan.
He noted that the present administration has demonstrated commitment to the education of all, stressing that the government is supporting education in all ramifications.
Olowofela also emphasized that the ultimate priority of the government of the day is the awareness on preventive methods and reduction in the occurrence of disabilities in the society and implementation of educational and vocational programmes for management of people with disabilities.
“Oyo State Government under the leadership of Senator Abiola Ajimobi had been concerned with the welfare of persons with disabilities. Recently, we distributed teaching/instructional materials to special schools in the state and created a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
“The government also provides free lodging and feeding for all pupils in the hostel of Government Special Schools, while the salaries of the domestic workers are also paid”, he said.
The commissioner further provides details of N5,622,000.00 disbursed to Special Schools for feeding on monthly basis.
A breakdown of the release revealed that the School for the Deaf, Ijokodo received the largest allocation of N1,500,000.00.This was followed by School for the Handicapped, Saki which got N897,000.00 ; while School for the Blind, Ogbomoso got N501,000.00.
The Oluyole Cheshire Home received N450,000.00 and School for the Handicapped, Durbar, Oyo with N450,000.00.
Others are: School for the Deaf, Eruwa (N450,000.00), Home School for the Handicapped, Ijokodo (N450, 000.00), Lagelu Special School, Lalupon (N333,000.00), Omoyeni School for the Blind, Ademola, Ibadan (N315,000.00), School for the Handicapped H. L. A, Agodi (N240,000.00) and Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria, FOMWAN (N36,000.00).
The commissioner, however called on well-meaning Nigerians, Organizations, public spirited individuals to partner with the government towards making life easier for people with disabilities by providing basic educational needs, medical needs and human assistance.
“Today, there is need of protecting people with disabilities because ability to do this determines the ability of a country’s greatness. I therefore appeal to well-meaning Nigerians to support people with disabilities with moral and financial assistance”.
Also speaking, the former Special Adviser to the governor on disability, Prince Paul Adelabu commended the state government for taking issues of the students living with disabilities seriously.
Speaking on need to support the people living with disabilities, Adelabu said: “there is need to support these children with disabilities. They have residual ability and it causes efforts to dig it out through education.
“They are just like me but are loaded with internal abilities. If it is in a developed countries, they are paid without labour and I believe we are getting there. And I’m happy that they have been given adequate attention under the present administration”,
Describing how difficult life is to the people with disabilities including him, Adelabu added: “during my birth, people and my parents sobered because I was disabled. Even they attempted to kill me because of my disability but today, I’m a source of joy to all and sundry”.
Seeks FG’s Intervention on Infrastructure, Expansion
The Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, has reaffirmed its commitment to academic and infrastructural excellence as it formally admitted its third set of students during a matriculation ceremony held on Thursday at the TETFund Auditorium, Iresa-Pupa Temporary Campus.
No fewer than 574 students were officially admitted into the institution for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The event was well attended by distinguished guests, including the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, who was represented by Dr John Onyebuchi, Deputy Director, NBTE Southwest Zonal Office. The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) was also represented by Mallam Bala Adamu.
The traditional institution was represented by the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye JP, Ajiboye III. Other notable attendees included the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Engr. (Dr) Sani Man Yahya, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Alhaji I. A. Lawal; the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Engr. (Dr) Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr Mulikatu Aliu; and the Provost of the Federal College of Education, Iwo, Prof. R. A. Adebayo, represented by the Registrar, Alhaji Yusuf Aderibigbe among others.
Speaking at the event, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, congratulated the newly admitted students and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering quality technical and vocational education.
“You have earned your place here through hard work and dedication. Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, is committed to equipping you with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to thrive in your chosen careers,” he stated.
Dr Abdul-Hameed highlighted the rapid growth of the Polytechnic since its establishment in March 2021, noting that it was the first among the six newly created federal polytechnics to commence academic and administrative activities in June 2022.
He disclosed that the institution now has over 1,200 students, making it the most populated among its counterparts. It currently offers 12 accredited National Diploma (ND) programmes, with plans to introduce 29 additional programmes.
“The Office Technology and Management (OTM) programme will soon commence as its resource verification process is at an advanced stage,” he added.
The Rector further announced that the Polytechnic’s Academic Board had approved the results of its first graduating set, paving the way for its maiden convocation this year.
“A convocation ceremony to confer diplomas and prizes will be held this year, and the official date will be announced in due course,” he stated.
Addressing recent reports of a building collapse at the Polytechnic, Abdul-Hameed dismissed the claims as misleading, clarifying that no structure had collapsed on any of the institution’s campuses.
“What was falsely reported was a minor structural defect involving a cantilever under construction. The contractor is already addressing the issue under strict supervision,” he explained, urging the public to disregard the misinformation aimed at tarnishing the Polytechnic’s reputation.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s support for education, the Rector urged the Federal Government to increase funding, particularly for infrastructure and research.
“We seek special intervention programmes to support our expansion efforts and the construction of access roads to improve connectivity,” he appealed.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) towards the Polytechnic’s growth. Continuing, he lauded Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, for his support and sought further assistance from the state government.
The Don advised the newly admitted students to embrace discipline, diligence, and innovation, urging them to take full advantage of the institution’s resources.
“The Polytechnic has provided you with the resources and a conducive environment to succeed. It is now your responsibility to make the most of this opportunity,” the Rector said.
The Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, has announced that its 2024/2025 matriculation ceremony will take place on Thursday, 27th March 2025.
In a statement signed by the institution’s Protocols and Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday Adepoju, on behalf of the Rector, Engr. Dr Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, the event is scheduled to hold at the polytechnic’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to the statement, the academic procession will commence at 9:00 a.m., followed by the main ceremony at 10:00 a.m.
Established in 2021 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Federal Polytechnic Ayede admitted its pioneer students in the 2022/2023 academic session. Initially, the institution commenced with four departments: Science Laboratory Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science, and Statistics.
By the 2023/2024 academic session, the institution expanded its academic offerings with eight additional National Diploma (ND) programmes, increasing the total to 12. The newly introduced courses include Computer Engineering Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, Agricultural Technology, Science Laboratory Technology, Computer Science, Statistics, Tourism Management Technology, Estate Management and Valuation, Urban and Regional Planning, Accountancy, Business Administration and Management, and Public Administration.
These 12 ND programmes are structured under five academic schools, School of Agricultural Technology,School of Science and Technology, School of Engineering Technology, School of Environmental Technology and School of Management Sciences.
The institution also announced that the orientation programme for fresh students commenced on Tuesday, 25th March, and will continue on Wednesday, 26th March, at the Iresa-Pupa temporary site. The programme will feature addresses from distinguished scholars and professionals, providing guidance to the new students on academic and campus life.
Since its inception, Federal Polytechnic Ayede has recorded remarkable strides in academic excellence, infrastructural development, training and re-training, as well as sports and extracurricular activities.
The management of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, has scheduled the 2024/2025 matriculation ceremony for Thursday, March 27, 2025.
According to a statement by the University Registrar, Mrs. Olubunmi Siju’ Asunmo, the event will commence at 10:00 a.m. at the University Board of Trustees (BOT) Large Lecture Theatre and will be presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan.
The matriculation lecture will be delivered by Prof. Olatunde O. Fawole, a former Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and former Chairman of the Committee of Provosts and Deans at LAUTECH, Ogbomoso.
The university has urged all stakeholders, including Senate members, management staff, deans, directors, heads of departments, service divisions, faculty officers, and students’ representatives, to be seated by 9:30 a.m. prompt for a smooth event.
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