Education
WAEC Fees : Oyo APC Berates Makinde Over Alleged Fake Promise
The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State has taken a swipe against Governor Seyi Makinde who the party accused of taking the people of the state for a ride allegedly on account of many fake promises, poor handling of governmental affairs and lack of direction of the Peoples Democratic Party’s administration.
The latest outburst from the opposition Oyo APC came in apparent reaction to the announcement made by the Makinde administration that its Free Education policy did not cover the payment of West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) registration fees for the final year students in public Senior Secondary Schools across the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Prince Ayobami Adejumo, Oyo APC described the development as a sour grape deliberately put in the mouth of the people who had believed the PDP administration’s many lies particularly on its fake Free Education policy.
“Just like many other people, we found it very difficult to believe what started like a rumour but our doubt was finally erased on Tuesday when Makinde’s Commissioner for Education told the whole world that there was no provision for the payment of WAEC or NECO fees in their orchestrated free education programme even after the governor and his lackeys had repeatedly assured of running a completely free, qualitative and quantitative policy on education at both primary and secondary levels.
“This sudden U-turn came at a time many unsuspecting parents had fallen for the media noise surrounding the handling of education industry in the state and thereby opened their eyes to gross insincerity and grandstanding on the part of the present administration. The disclosure came with a rude shock because it was never expected and more so, Gov. Makinde would not do anything new if he had gone ahead to offset the examination bill and thus ease the task for the poor parents.
“It is recalled that the immediate past APC government of Senator Abiola Ajimobi paid the same WAEC/NECO registration fees for final year students in public schools for four years until when economic melt down set in. The same Ajimobi employed 5,000 new teaching and non-teaching staff and deployed them in schools across the state in addition to provision of state-of-the-art facilities such as modern classrooms, laboratories and teaching aids. Another highpoint of APC government intervention in the school system was the introduction of the School Governing Boards (SGBs) which made a huge difference.
“The questions on the lips of informed minds now bother on what actually form the components of free education policy by a government in the absence of sufficient facilities (including pieces of furniture, laboratories and equipment), employment of more teachers, payment for WAEC/NECO registration fees among others? Why cancel the N1, 000 per term SGB fee only to add extra charges to WAEC’s actual registration fees? Why did Gov. Makinde wait until the last minute before coming up with a deadline for the unexpected payment? Adejumo queried.
In another development, Oyo APC has faulted the claims by the spokesman of the PDP who reportedly alleged that former Governor Abiola Ajimobi was no longer popular in the state. APC described such insinuation as “a figment of the imagination of an uninformed mind who thinks access to the media should always offer him every opportunity to be reckless in speech.
“As far as we are concerned, Oyo PDP exists only in the media space as we are aware of the activities of Gov. Makinde’s media handlers who churn out proxy press releases using the ruling party’s name and fund such with state resources. The end of such satanic practice is near as the good people of the state cannot wait to have sanity restored again by the imminent APC government”. The statement added.
The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Dr Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, has said that the institution’s recent accreditation as a Cisco Networking Academy Learning Centre will benefit students, staff, and the host communities, while also enhancing the school’s standing in the global digital space.
Dr Abdul-Hameed, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the institution’s Protocol and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sunday Adepoju, described the feat as a major milestone in the polytechnic’s journey towards global academic relevance and digital innovation.
Cisco Systems Inc., a multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in San Jose, California, is a global leader in networking and information technology solutions.
Speaking on the development, the Rector said, “First and foremost, let me re-emphasise that our commitment to excellence at Federal Polytechnic, Ayede remains unwavering. The accreditation, granted by Cisco Systems, will enable the polytechnic to offer specialised training in key areas such as networking, cybersecurity, programming, data science, operating systems, digital literacy, and professional development.
“These programmes align with internationally recognised certifications and are designed to equip students with job-ready skills required in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.
“This accreditation is a major leap for our institution as it reflects our strategic focus on equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills and reinforces our mission to become a centre of excellence in technology and innovation.”
Highlighting the benefits of the Cisco-accredited centre to the institution, Abdul-Hameed noted that the collaboration would enhance the polytechnic’s credibility and attract more prospective students, given the global recognition associated with Cisco certifications.
“Additionally, the institution can enrich its curriculum with up-to-date, industry-relevant learning materials provided by Cisco. It can also leverage Cisco’s vast resources, including training and support, to improve the overall quality of its academic programmes,” he said.
The Rector further stated that the staff of the institution would also benefit from the initiative through access to Cisco’s professional training opportunities, which would keep them abreast of emerging industry trends and technologies.
“Instructors can develop their skills and gain recognition within the industry, enhancing their career prospects. They can also build networks and collaborate with other professionals and partners through Cisco’s global platforms,” he added.
On the impact on students, Abdul-Hameed described them as the greatest beneficiaries of the new accreditation.
“Our students can now earn industry-recognised certifications that will improve their employability and career growth. They will also have access to career opportunities and networking events through Cisco’s global network,” he said.
He added that the host communities stand to gain from the scheme, particularly in terms of economic development and local partnerships.
“By producing a skilled workforce, the community becomes more attractive to businesses
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.
