The Acting Rector of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa (AOPE), Dr. Olugbade Adewuyi Akinteye, has announced that the institution will graduate a total of 6,650 students during its forthcoming 2nd Combined Convocation Ceremony.
The event, which will celebrate the graduating classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024, marks a milestone in the history of the polytechnic and will feature a week-long programme of academic, spiritual, and social activities.
Speaking at a pre-convocation press briefing held at the Rector’s Conference Room on Wednesday, Dr. Akinteye said:
“For the graduating sessions of 2021/2022, we have 1,392 ND and 532 HND students, making a total of 1,924. For the 2022/2023 session, 1,590 ND and 588 HND students, totalling 2,178. And for the 2023/2024 session, 1,804 ND and 744 HND students, giving us 2,548. In all, we are presenting 6,650 graduands for this 2nd Combined Convocation Ceremony.”
He described the convocation as not just an academic celebration but a moment to reflect on the institution’s growth.
“This convocation, beyond being a ceremony, reinforces our readiness to build on our past and embrace the future,” he said.
The Rector explained that the convocation week, which runs from August 20 to August 29, 2025, was carefully designed to reflect AOPE’s academic and community spirit. It began with the press briefing on Wednesday, August 20, followed by a Juma’at Service at the Central Mosque on Friday, August 22, and an interdenominational service at the chapel on Sunday, August 24.
On August 27 and 28, the Polytechnic will hold an exhibition of innovations and student projects at the Department of Arts and Industrial Design, running daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The grand finale will be held on Friday, August 29, at the school’s sports field, with Oyo State Governor and Visitor to the institution, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as the Special Guest of Honour.
“This promises to display the ingenuity of our students and the hands-on nature of polytechnic education,” Dr. Akinteye noted.
The convocation lecture will hold on Thursday, August 28, at Prof. Abiodun Ojo Hall. Mrs. Modupe Olubanjo, a seasoned journalist and author, will speak on the topic “Polytechnic Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Charting a New Course for Inclusion.”
He also stated that during the ceremony, Foundation Fellowship Awards will be presented to three distinguished Nigerians: Hon. Sunday Omoyin (Governing Board Member, TETFund), Prince Adeyinka Afonja (CEO, Ace Supermarket), and Chief Adesoji Aderemi Adeniji (MD/CEO, Oat Construction Nig. Ltd).
Highlighting AOPE’s progress, Dr. Akinteye said student enrolment has grown significantly in recent years due to the expansion of programmes and improved facilities.
He noted:
“In 2024, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, was ranked the third-best polytechnic in Nigeria by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) during the National Tertiary Admission Performance Merit Award. This feat is a clear testament to the dedication of our staff, the commitment of our students, and the support of government.”
He added that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has approved new Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in Estate Management and Valuation, Marketing, Accountancy, Public Administration, and Fashion Design & Clothing Technology, expanding the scope of AOPE’s offerings.
Dr. Akinteye also celebrated the institution’s stable academic calendar under its Governing Council, chaired by Prof. Kazeem A. Adebiyi:
“Students graduate on time, HND students are mobilised promptly for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and disruptions due to strikes or delays have been largely eliminated. This has significantly boosted confidence among students, parents, and the larger public.”
On facilities, he explained that the Polytechnic has invested in new lecture halls, upgraded laboratories and workshops, and expanded ICT infrastructure to support hands-on learning.
On employment and skills development, the Rector emphasised the institution’s philosophy:
“Polytechnic education is a revalued education. It ensures our graduates are grounded in both academic and vocational training. Some students who came here to study mass communication discovered new visions in fashion designing or other vocations because of the trainings we provide.”
He also highlighted AOPE’s partnership with Resource Enhancers, an ICT company, under which every student undergoes compulsory ICT training and certification.
“This makes them fully grounded in ICT and better positioned for today’s workforce,” he added.
Addressing the rising importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Dr. Akinteye explained that AOPE is already integrating it into its academic plan.
“AI has become a factor polytechnics cannot close their eyes to. That is why we are bringing experts to speak to our students and designing courses in that area. We want to be at a comfortable position where our graduates are prepared for the digital economy.”
Dr. Akinteye further noted that AOPE has enjoyed peace and stability in the last four sessions, with no student protests recorded. He attributed this to support of the Governor of the State, Engineer Seyi Makinde with the provision of improved welfare and strong communication between management and students.
He also praised the institution’s students for their outstanding performance in competitions.
“Our students came first in the Jubril Dotun Sanusi Debate Competition, proving once again that AOPE is not just stable but competitive academically,” he said.
Dr. Akinteye finally extended an open invitation to alumni, parents, and the people of Oyo State to attend the convocation.
“On behalf of the Governing Council and Management, I sincerely appreciate the press for always being partners in progress. This convocation is more than a ceremony; it is a reinforcement of our readiness to embrace the future. Together, let us make it memorable,” he said.
Present at the press briefing were key members of the institution’s management team, including the Acting Deputy Rector, Dr. Akin Oke; the Acting Registrar, Dr. Dele Oladipo; and the Acting Bursar, Mr. Segun Oladipo. Others present were the Director of Works, Engr. Abegunde; the Chief Librarian, Mrs. Oshiwole; the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Studies, Mr. Adebayo; the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Engr. Fawole; and the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Communications Studies, Alhaji K.O. Oladiji. The Dean of Student Affairs, Mr. Adedoja; the Director of Research; the Head of the Mass Communication Department, Dr. Adediji; and the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Oke Wasiu, were also in attendance, alongside other senior officials.
