Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, today held its 2nd Combined Convocation Ceremony for the 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024 academic sessions, graduating a total of 6,650 students in a colorful event attended by the Acting Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Barrister Adebayo Lawal, top government officials, royal fathers, academics, community leaders, parents and guardians, and well-wishers.
The ceremony, held at the institution’s sports field, commenced with an opening speech by the Acting Rector, Dr. Olugbade Adewuyi Akinteye, who expressed immense joy at the milestone achievement. He congratulated the graduating students and acknowledged the unwavering support of the Oyo State Government, particularly under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, for prioritizing education through the Omituntun 2.0 agenda.
Dr. Akinteye highlighted significant strides the polytechnic had made in the past three years, including improved infrastructure, accreditation of additional courses by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the introduction of new Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes such as Estate Management and Valuation, Marketing, Accountancy, Public Administration, and Fashion Design & Clothing Technology.
He proudly recalled that in 2024, the polytechnic was ranked third best in Nigeria by JAMB during the National Tertiary Admission Performance Merit Award, describing it as a major achievement for the institution.
While celebrating these successes, he appealed for urgent support in the areas of manpower and infrastructure, emphasizing the need to regularize casual staff appointments and construct additional lecture halls to accommodate the growing student population.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Kazeem Adekunle Adebiyi, congratulated the graduates and lauded the polytechnic’s management for sustaining academic excellence despite challenges. He assured that the Governing Council remains committed to working closely with the state government to address manpower and infrastructural needs for the institution’s continued growth.
Delivering the Governor’s address, Acting Governor, His Excellency Barrister Adebayo Lawal, reiterated the dedication of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to education, revealing that 20.88% of the current state budget is allocated to the sector. He noted that the state government had played a pivotal role in securing accreditation for the polytechnic’s programmes by providing necessary facilities and equipment.
Barrister Lawal also assured the institution that the regularization of part-time staff appointments remains a top priority for the administration, a move that will strengthen the workforce and improve service delivery.
A major highlight of the event was the conferment of Foundation Fellowship Honours on distinguished personalities for their contributions to education and community development. The awardees included Hon. Sunday Adepoju, former Member of the Federal House of Representatives and current Board Member of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), represented by Hon. Silas Atilola; Chief Adeniji Adesoji Aderemi , FNIQS, MD/CEO, OAT Construction Nigeria Ltd., Lagos; and Prince Adeyinka Afonja, Chairman, Ace Mall, Oyo State
The honorees expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and pledged to continue supporting the polytechnic in their various capacities.
The Acting Registrar, Mr. O.A. Oladiipo, closed the ceremony with a vote of thanks, appreciating the Oyo State Government, awardees, royal fathers, and stakeholders for their continued support as well as parents and guardians for their presence.
The event was attended by prominent personalities, including, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology; Prince Dotun Ojelade, Oyo State Commissioner for Information; Prof. Salihu Adelabu, Commissioner for Establishment and Training; Barr. Mutalib Adebayo Ojo (SAN), former Attorney-General of Oyo State; Barr. Festus Adedayo (SAN); Dr. Sharafadeen Abogun, former Bursar, OYSCATECH; Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, Vice-Chancellor, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo; Rector, The Polytechnic Ibadan (represented by Dr. Bolanle Oseni); traditional rulers including HRH Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, Ajobo Olurin I (Eleruwa of Eruwa), HRH Jamiu Adedamola Badmus (Oluaso of Iberekodo), Oba Samuel Aderibigbe (Onidofin of Idofin-land), Oba Alh. Rafiu Ariwoola (Asigangan of Igangan), Chief Olagoye Osuade JP (representing the Onilala of Lanlate).
