The Rector of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, (OYSCATECH), Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, on Wednesday warned the newly matriculated Students of the institution to shun all acts of indiscipline and social vices, such as indecent dressings, cultism, drug abuse, hooliganism, gangsterism, examination misconducts, cyber-crimes and a host of others.

Prof. Akinlabi gave this charge during the 14th matriculation ceremony of fresh students, held at the main hall of the institution.

The Rector noted that social vices usually undermine the integrity of the academic community and pose a threat to students’ safety and future.

He implored the students to resist any form of temptation and make wise choices that will positively impact their academics and personal life, stressing that the institution has zero tolerance for unruly behaviour.

He stressed the need for students to adhere to the institution’s dress code while calling for religious tolerance among students.

In his words, “Today’s event marks the formal recognition of your studentship, a gateway into your academic pursuit. It is a challenge for you to engage productively in your studies, imbibing hard work, determination, dedication, and discipline to ensure success in the end.

“Out of thousands of applicants that qualified and applied for admission into various National Diploma Programmes, 1,021 applicants have been offered admissions into full-time ND programmes, and 335 others were admitted by the Directorate of Part-Time and Preliminary Studies (DPPPS) for part-time National Diploma Programmes. The second categories are 644 applicants admitted into full-time Higher National Diploma Programmes (HND) and 5 others admitted through the Directorate of Part-Time and Preliminary Studies (DPPPS) for Higher National Diploma Programmes. The total number of students admitted for both ND and HND progammes including full-time and Part-time students is 2,005 students for the 2022/2023 academic session.

“I wish to reiterate that OYSCATECH will not renege in fulfilling its vision of becoming a leading center for excellence in Agriculture, Technology, and Management through the training of the youths for innovation, food sufficiency, and job creation.

“I must emphasise that OYSCATECH as a Polytechnic is well positioned as an institution that places a high premium on practical, entrepreneurship training, research, and community services due to her status as a full-fledged polytechnic since April 2019 coupled with the qualified manpower for effective general administration, teaching, and research.”

Akinlabi added that students have been admitted into an institution that has an excellent curriculum with special attention to programmes of instruction, programmes of activities, and programmes of guidance in line with global best practices and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) policy directives.

“Apart from the existing programmes for the ND and the HND, three new programmes have been graciously approved by the NBTE at the National Diploma level, namely Food Technology, Civil Engineering, and Electrical Engineering,” he said.

The Rector further hinted that the management is working tirelessly towards providing a more enabling environment for teaching and research in the institution, assuring that very soon, various infrastructural projects would be embarked upon by TETFUND, the State, Federal Government, NEYI, NCC, Galaxy Backbone, individuals and a host of others.

The rector lauded the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for prompt payment of full salaries to staff, and effort at resuscitating the farm settlements in Oyo State.

Akinlabi also commended the Prof. Sanni-led Governing Council for their contributions to the development of the institution, just as he appreciated all management staff, union leaders, and all staff of the institution for their support in moving the Polytechnic forward.

The Registrar, Mr. Rasheed Fasasi Adeniji while administering the matriculation oath on fresh students noted that students must abide by the rules and regulations governing their studentship on this campus.

He maintained that having taken the matriculation oath, students were duty-bounded to ensure strict compliance with the matriculation oath as administered.

In his goodwill message, the JAMB representative, Mr. Bamidele Daramola explained that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board will sustain its partnership with tertiary institutions in the areas of admissions and Computer-Based Test (CBT).

While congratulating them, he advised the students to normalise their admission with JAMB before it was too late.

Some of the matriculating students who could not hide their joy assured that they would be good ambassadors of the institution.