Education
We will partner Army to ensure peace in Oyo – Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has said that the state government would partner the Nigerian Army to ensure the security of lives and property in the state.
Governor Makinde, who was speaking at the Nigerian Army West African Social Activities (WASA), held at the Major General John Inieger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ojoo, Ibadan stated that his administration was ready to collaborate with Nigerian Army formation in the state to fix a lot of hydraulic structures in Oyo State.
He also said that the state would maintain a cordial relationship with the Nigeria Army in peacekeeping to ensure peace in all the nooks and crannies of the State.
He said: “I assure you that the government will continue to support and cooperate with the Army in Oyo State in order to reap the true the dividend of peace and security. I have and will continue to consider the Army Barracks and Cantonment in Oyo State as part of our constituency.
“I want to assure officers, soldiers, and families of 2nd Division of the Army in Ibadan that our administration remains committed to promoting the already existing cordial relationship with the military. We want to take this to the next level for the betterment of the good people of Oyo State.”
The Governor further said: “As I was passing through the formation, I saw the Mechanical Engineers and I thought we have a lot of hydraulic structures in Oyo State that we also need to fix. So, I am using this opportunity to invite the Nigerian Army formation here to collaborate with us so that we can jointly work together to fix those hydraulic units.”
The Governor noted that the impact and the achievements of Nigerian Army in the Country have added greater values, respect honour and dignity to the perception of Nigerians about the Military profession.
He stated: “Let me also say in clear terms that the impact of the achievement of the Nigerian Army during this period has added greater values, respect, honour and dignity to our perception as a people about the Nigerian Army. This is indeed a very noble profession.
“The Nigeria Army today is seen to have played more roles in civil authority than at any other time in the history of our dear nation. This includes the curtailment of insurgency in the North-East by ensuring that the situation did not spread across the country.
“Similarly, the effective curtailment of nefarious activities of the rampaging herdsmen and sustained operation against kidnappers, thuggery and other perpetrators of sundry criminal activities as well as saboteurs to critical national infrastructure. I am glad that the Army has recorded these achievements without prejudice, with respect for the rule of law and subordination to the civil authority.
“The Army is noted for its adherence to international best practices of human rights, cordial military cooperation, and respect of the tradition of their host communities. All these positive impacts are highly noted and appreciated. I urge you to maintain and sustain the tempo.”
The Governor commended Officers and men of 2nd Division for their sacrificial contributions in the maintenance of peace and order in Oyo State.
He said: “I have personally noted the achievements of Operation Burst in Oyo State where the Army played the lead role. So, I want to use this occasion of WASA 2019 to commend the gallant officers and soldiers of 2Division Ibadan in particular and the entire Nigerian Army at large. We are indeed very grateful to you.
“My presence on this occasion to identify with the Nigerian Army personnel and family members is no doubt as a result of my appreciation of the good work that the Nigerian Army is doing in general, and in Oyo State in particular.
“I wish to also mention in stronger terms that the hitherto fragile links that bind the Nigerian Army and the rest of the citizens is further strengthened. It is common knowledge within the public domain that the giant strides that highlighted the achievements of the 2Division will remain a benchmark for other formations to strive harder so as to achieve similar feats.
“Army is noted for its adherence to international best practices of human rights, cordial military cooperation and respect of the tradition of their host communities. All these positive impacts are highly noted and appreciated.”
The Governor, therefore, promised to extend the light-up Ibadan projects into the barrack community for the benefits of Military Officials.
“We will extend, under Phase 2 of the light-up Ibadan project, the light infrastructure to inside the barracks,” he stated.
Earlier in his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Anthony Bamidele Omozoje appreciated the contributions and support of the Governor of Oyo State Engr Seyi Makinde and the good people of Oyo State.
He noted that West African Social Activities (WASA) is one of the activities of the Nigerian Army which provides an enabling an environment where service personnel with their families and loved ones come together to celebrate.
He added that the event is so unique and memorable as it showcases the diverse ethnic and rich cultural composition of the Nigerian Army.
“WASA provides a platform where national heritage and patriotism are celebrated as against religious, ethnic and social sentiments,” the Commanding Officer said.
Signed:
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede (FEDPA), Oyo State, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, has been honoured with the Leadership Excellence and Education Icon Award in recognition of his contributions to the education sector and national development.
The award was presented by Bollyjoe Media Communications Ltd, a media and communications firm based in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Wednesday.
Presenting the award, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Joseph Uzuakpundu Bollyjoe, said Abdul-Hameed was recognised for his selfless service and transformative leadership within Nigeria’s polytechnic education system.
He noted that under the Rector’s stewardship, the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, had witnessed strategic reforms aimed at strengthening academic standards and promoting institutional stability.
According to him, the Rector’s policies have repositioned the institution for sustainable growth and aligned its technical education programmes with global best practices.
Since assuming office, the Rector has prioritised infrastructural development, administrative discipline and innovation-driven governance, earning commendations from stakeholders.
Reacting to the honour, Abdul-Hameed, described the award as a motivation to further deepen reforms and consolidate on existing achievements.
“This recognition is not just personal; it reflects the dedication of our management, staff and students who share the vision of building a globally competitive institution,” the Rector said.
He added that the polytechnic would remain committed to excellence, integrity and continuous development in line with national educational aspirations.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday described the Federal Polytechnic Ayede as the best-performing among federal polytechnics established in 2021, commending its infrastructural expansion and academic stability as the institution graduated 325 students at its maiden convocation ceremony.
Tinubu, who is the Visitor to the institution, was represented by the Director, Polytechnics and Allied Institutions, Dr. Usman Ejeh. He said the polytechnic’s achievements within five years were “remarkable and strategic,” adding that its growth aligns with the Federal Government’s reform agenda for technical and vocational education.
“The Federal Polytechnic Ayede has distinguished itself among its peers established in 2021. Its commitment to infrastructure, skills acquisition, and academic stability clearly positions it as a model institution,” he said.
The President noted that his administration had introduced key reforms, including the students’ loan scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, curriculum modernisation, infrastructural renewal, and digital skills expansion to reposition the education sector.
“We are determined to build institutions that will produce innovators, entrepreneurs, and solution providers for our economy,” he added, urging the management to consolidate on existing gains.
Earlier, the Rector, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, described the combined convocation for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions as a defining milestone in the institution’s history.
“We gather here today to officially present to the world the first set of graduates produced by the Federal Polytechnic Ayede. This indeed calls for celebration,” he said.
The rector expressed appreciation to Tinubu for policies aimed at strengthening technical education and acknowledged the support of regulatory and funding agencies, including the National Board for Technical Education and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, for accreditation and infrastructural interventions that accelerated the institution’s development.
He disclosed that 138 students graduated in the 2023/2024 session and 187 in the 2024/2025 session, bringing the total number of graduands to 325.
According to him, Miss Taiwo Ibukunoluwa Arinola of Science Laboratory Technology and Mr. Olapese Quadri Ayofe of Agricultural Technology emerged as the overall best graduating students for their respective sessions with a cumulative grade point average of 3.96.
Beyond the award of National Diploma certificates, Abdul-Hameed said each graduand obtained at least two additional vocational certifications through the Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development.
“Our graduates are not just job seekers but employers of labour. We have deliberately equipped them with relevant entrepreneurial and technical competencies,” he said, adding that 68 major projects had been executed across the temporary and permanent sites through TETFund interventions, Federal Government appropriations, and donor support.
The projects, he said, include a main administrative building, ICT centre, health centre, engineering workshops, and improved power infrastructure, while the institution also recorded over 64 research projects and nine TETFund-supported fabrication innovations. He also reaffirmed the polytechnic’s resolve to relocate fully to its permanent site in Ayede, Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area, and appealed for improved access roads and hostel accommodation.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Yakubu Dati, described the ceremony as a celebration of vision and collective commitment, urging government, corporate organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the institution with critical infrastructure, particularly road networks and student hostels, through direct intervention or Public-Private Partnership arrangements. He commended the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and the host community for sustaining a peaceful environment, and appreciated the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, who was also the guest lecturer, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, for supporting the construction of an access road to the institution.
Fellowship awards were conferred on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji; and Dr Abubakar Isa.
The event attracted traditional rulers, including the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye; the Timi of Ede, Oba Adesola Munirudeen Lawal; and the Aresa of Iresapupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye, as well as Senators Ayo Adeseun, Abdulfatai Buhari, prominent Ogbomoso leaders, rectors of sister polytechnics, scholars, and other dignitaries.
Education
Oyo: Speaker Abbas, NRS Chair, Adedeji to Attend Ayede Polytechnic’s Maiden Convocation as 325 Set to Graduate
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, and the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, will on Thursday grace the maiden combined convocation ceremony of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, where no fewer than 325 students will be awarded National Diploma certificates.
The Pioneer Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, disclosed this on Monday during a pre-convocation press conference at the institution’s Permanent Site in Ayede, describing the event as “a defining milestone” in the history of the young federal institution.
“This is the first convocation of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, since its establishment on January 19, 2021, and it marks our transition from take-off to consolidation,” the Rector said.
Abdul-Hameed said the speaker would chair the convocation lecture, while the NRS boss, Adedeji would deliver the lecture titled, ‘The Role of Technology in Implementing Nigeria’s New Tax Laws: Challenges and Prospects’, noting that the calibre of invited dignitaries reflected the institution’s rising national profile.
“The presence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service underscores the growing relevance of the Polytechnic in national development discourse,” he said.
According to the Rector, the combined convocation covers the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions and will span six days, featuring a novelty football match, convocation lecture, award of National Diploma certificates, and the conferment of fellowship honours.
He disclosed that 138 students completed their programmes in the 2023/2024 academic session, while 187 students graduated in the 2024/2025 session, bringing the total number of graduands to 325.
On academic expansion, Abdul-Hameed said the Polytechnic commenced academic activities in 2023 with four National Diploma programmes but has grown to run 13 fully accredited ND programmes across five schools.
“We currently operate across the Schools of Engineering, Environmental Technology, Management Sciences, Science and Technology, and Agricultural Technology, all with full NBTE accreditation,” he stated.
The Rector attributed the institution’s rapid growth to sustained support from the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside interventions from the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
“These interventions have strengthened our capacity in programme accreditation, staff development, and infrastructure delivery,” he said.
Abdul-Hameed further revealed that the Polytechnic had executed 68 major infrastructural, ICT, and utility projects across its Permanent and Temporary campuses, adding that work was ongoing on the access road linking the Permanent Site from Idi-Araba.
“While we have made significant progress, we still require support in access roads, student hostels, power supply, water facilities, and digital infrastructure to sustain our growth,” the Rector appealed.
-
Politics3 days agoIbarapa East Assembly Hopeful, Ramon Congratulates Ajiboye, Says Emergence Good for Oyo APC
-
Politics1 week agoMakinde: My Successor Must Be Loyal to Oyo, Not Me
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Former Oyo Deputy Governor Adeyemo Emerges APC Chairman (See Full List)
-
Politics1 week agoFintiri Dumps PDP for APC, Moves with Cabinet, 14 Adamawa Lawmakers