The Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora (OYSCATECH) on Friday, March 22, 2024 held the 2nd Combined Convocation and 17th Founder’s Day Ceremonies for 2016 – 2023 set of graduands of the institution for the awards of National and Higher National Diploma and conferment of Fellowship awards at the 800 seater Lecture Theatre of the institution.
In his keynote address, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde expressed delight at the drastic development at the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.
The Governor who was ably represented by the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Saliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu promised to look into the needs of the Institution.
Governor Makinde congratulated the institution’s Rector, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, other Principal Officers and members of Staff on their monumental achievements.
The number one man in Oyo State acknowledged the landmark achievements of the institution, particularly in the area of research and development as well as collaboration with donor agencies.
Governor Makinde, while congratulating the graduands, encouraged them to channel their knowledge and skills towards creating businesses that other people could benefit from. He noted that Agriculture remains the vital sector of the economy for growth and food security.
In his speech, the Rector of the Institution, Prof. Akinlabi revealed that between 2016 and 2023 a total of 8,433 graduates were churned out from the various faculties at National and Higher National Diploma level.
Prof Akinlabi who could not hide his joy enumerated some of his achievements in the last fifteen (15) months of his administration to include; unparalleled support from Staff and Students, opportunity for Staff and Students to participate in Women Agricultural Technical Education and Apprenticeship programme, sponsored by France Government and Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), donation of 100 laptops by Nigerian Communications Commission through Prof. Adeolu Akande, donation of demonstration farm center and Garri and Fufu Processing factories by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, facilitation of Academic Building by TETFUND, sponsorship of staff conferences and workshops, Academic Staff Training for MSC and PhD programmes among others.
Prof. Akinlabi eulogized the Host Community for cooperation towards the progress of the institution, adding that the peaceful and mutual interrelationship between the people of Igboora, members of staff and students on campus were cordial.
He commended the Oyo State for the prompt payment of staff salaries while requesting for continued support from Government towards the expansion of the institution’s facilities.
He urged the graduands to be determined and remain focused in all their endeavours.
In his convocation lecture tagged “Leveraging Agriculture Transformational Technology in Oyo State,” the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Musa Aibinu said there was no alternative to agriculture because agriculture creates employment and serves as source of feeding the nation, while, adding that it was imperative that everyone venture into agriculture by harnessing the power of innovation which has the capacity to increase agricultural productivity, enhance resource efficiency, and improve livelihoods for farmers and communities alike.
According to him, “As stewards of our agricultural heritage, it is incumbent upon us to engage and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders through education, training, and entrepreneurship, we can equip our youth with the skills and knowledge needed to drive the transformational agenda forward, therefore, let the transformative journey of repositioning Oyo State in agriculture begin from here.”
Prof. Aibinu encouraged the graduands to be creative, have critical thinking, cultural intelligence, technological experience, leadership skills, and active learning mindset among others in order to contribute meaningfully to agricultural development of the State.
The Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Lateef Sanni in his address, advised the graduands that “as you transition from students to alumni, remember that you carry the reputation and excellence of our institution with you. Be proud ambassadors of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, and uphold the values and knowledge you have acquired here.
“I urge the graduating students to embrace entrepreneurship, agriculture, and agribusiness as they step into the professional world.
These sectors offer vast opportunities for growth, innovation, and contribution to the development of our society. By leveraging your education and skills in these areas, you can make a meaningful impact and drive positive change in our communities.”
In his valedictorian speech, the overall best student, Ajayi Ibraheem Abidemiwho spoke on behalf of other best graduating students, returned all glory and adoration to God for the opportunity.
He commended parents and guardians; noting that their sacrifices and guidance was instrumental to their academic achievements.
The overall best student also encouraged his fellow graduands to harness their skill and creativity so as to contribute to the sustainable development of the society.
While commending the management and members of staff of OYSCATECH, Ajayi Ibraheem admonished his colleagues to uphold the value of excellence, integrity and service that define the institution.
The Convocation ceremony also witnessed conferment of Fellowship Award on some notable Nigerians who have contributed positively to the development of the nation.
The awardees include; Alhaji Lanre Badmus, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, Dr. Sola Ayandele, Mr. Hammed Raji SAN, Prof. Adeolu Akande, Mr. Kunle Adedigba, Dr. Remi Awode, Dr. Samson Adegoke, Senator Yunus Akintunde, Chief Engr. Dotun Sanusi, Arch. B. O. Samson, Dr. Bayo Adepoju, Hon. Saubana Ajibola, Senator Fatai Buhari Omotayo, Engr. Remi Oseni, Chief Bayo Adelabu, Hon. Prince Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu and the Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Lateef Sanni.
The Past Principal Officers of the Institution were also conferred with special recognition award for their sacrifices and contributions to the advancement of the institution.
They awardees were; Prof. Gabriel Farinu, Prof. Gbemiga Adewale, Mr. Isiaka Adekunle, Dr. Ariyo Okunlola, Mr. Emmanuel Taiwo, Mr. Niyi Fehintola, Mr. Paul Oyediran, Mr. Haadi Asiyanbi, Mr. Olusegun Olaewe, Dr. Sarafa Agbogun, Dr. Serifat Ashiru and Dr. Olatunji Olaojo.
The newly constructed pure water factory was thereafter commissioned by the Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Lateef Sanni.
