Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Friday urged graduating students of the Polytechnic Ibadan, to be honest, and hardworking as they prepared for another phase of their lives.
Ajimobi, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Moses Adeyemo, gave the advice during the 32nd and 33rd combined Convocation ceremony of the institution in Ibadan.
He said the next phase of life had promises of rewards for those who were courageous, enterprising, upright and hardworking.
The governor said life is a journey and not a destination just as learning is a lifelong endeavour and not a destination.
He, therefore, advised them against viewing the moment of graduation as having reached the zenith of knowledge.
“Let your mantra be what you can do for the country and not what the country can do for you.
“This is the time to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired into creating value, which will enrich your lives, that of your families and as well improve on the society as a whole,’’ he said.
The governor said the thrust of his administration’s policy reforms in education was predicated on turning out graduates that were well-equipped with entrepreneurial skills that would readily transform them into employers instead of employment seekers.
Prof. Olatunde Fawole, Rector of the institution, said the polytechnic could boast of having contributed significantly to the economic and socio-political life of the country through the quality of its alumni.
Fawole said the institution had what it took to be a degree awarding one, and would continue to do its best in producing quality graduates for the country.
Prof. Isaac Adeyemi, the Chairman, Governing Council, said the council had maintained a cordial working relationship with the unions, the staff and the students, which left the institution with the right ambience to excel.
Adeyemi said the existing relationship would continue to translate into the improved level of performance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that prizes and awards were given to the deserving graduates.
