By: Ajibola Habeeb Ololade
The Polytechnic, Ibadan held her 35th-38th Combined Convocation ceremony on the 15th of Dec, 2023, at the Assembly Hall, North Campus, The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
The programme, in honour of the 35th-38th sets of graduating students of the institution commenced with the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Alh. Soladoye Adewole, being the anchor of the event, congratulating all the graduands and announcing the launch and commissioning of the institution’s Radio station; REIZ 109.1 FM to commence operations.
He continued by introducing the guests and also inviting special guests to the high table; from the Rector of the institution Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi Adekunle, the registrar, Mrs. Modupe Fawale, the Executive Governor of Oyo state, Dr. Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, as duely represented by Honourable Commissioner of Education, Prof. Saliu AbdulWaheed, Dr. Babatunde Olawore CEO Eduserve Nig Ltd., the Management team, Senior staff from Gateway Polytechnic, Senior officers of the Oyo state government, Chairman Polytechnic Council, NBTE Chairman Mr. Ayo Arobiewe, Directors, Convocation Planning Committee, Student Union Executives, Deans, HODs and the graduands.
Following the recognition of guests, the Honourable Commissioner of Education declared the programme open. In his speech to the graduating students, he commended the effort of the Oyo State government on the rapid improvement on education, he likewise gave kudos to the National Board For Technical Education (NBTE) on the good work that they do with restructuring the educational sector in the state. He appreciated the parents/guardians present for giving their wards unrelenting support in their academic pursuit and and lastly congratulated all the graduating students and wished them success in their various fields.
The Rector, Prof. Engr. Kazeem Adebiyi Adekunle delivered his speech to the graduating students. He started by appreciating the Hon. Com. for Education representing the Governor, and to the management team of the institution with their unrelenting support towards the introduction of the new Faculty—Faculty of Humanitarian and Social Management Studies and introduction of newly accredited courses into the academic curriculum with the support of NBTE, stating that only five Faculties have been in existence since 25 years ago and there was need for expansion of capacity, which led to the introduction of these courses; Photography Technology, Tourism Management Technology, Taxation, Cooperative Economics and Management, Metalurgical Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology and HND in Mechatronics, and Library and Information Science. He also appreciated the National Union of Student Bankers for the donation of a well equipped Lecture Hallall, also, other newly built lecture halls on campus.
In his mentions, he noted the commissioning of The Polytechnic, Ibadan Radio station–REIZ 109.1 FM and the improvement in vocational skills and entrepreneurial programmes, the commissioning of the Faculty of Science, as well as the donation of books by the Oyo state government.
In his closing remarks, he appreciated all the staff of the institution, wished the 35th-38th sets of graduands success in their future endeavors. He further made it known that there were 18,071 graduating students in total and ended his speech by quoting the mantra of the school; “Ise l’oogun ise”, which translates, “work is the antidote to poverty”.
The speech of His Excellency, Gorvernor of Oyo State, was delivered by Prof. Saliu AbdulWaheed, to the graduating students.
In his speech, he started by acknowledging the donation of 200 Million naira made to the institution for accreditation purposes, quoting that; “If education is expensive, try ignorance”. He lauded the importance of education, exemplifying the distinguished men and women present, with numerous degrees from different reputable institutions home and abroad. He enjoined that Nigeria would be great again, if all hands are joined together to make it happen.
Finally, he congratulated the graduands on their unique achievements and wished them the best of life after school.
In procession, Mrs. M.T. Fawale, the Registrar of the school ordered all graduands to be on their feet while Dr. Olawore Babatunde, CEO of Eduserve Nig. Ltd., presented the prize for the overall best graduating student, to Alimi Wasilat, from the Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry.
To end the programme, The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology declared the programme closed and the guests were serenaded with beautiful musical performances by the Department of Musical Technology of the school.
But alimi wasilat was given 50k
Now
1million to 50k
And is there anywhere that it is said in this story that she was given 1million? No!
It is in the report of the convocation lecture that 1milllion was mentioned and the money is not even meant for Wasilat’s set but the coming sets in the subsequent graduating years. You can check through the previous story on convocation lecture to understand better.