By: Imohobong Idara & Oludamiro Esther
The Polytechnic, Ibadan, organizes orientation and matriculation ceremonies for 2024\2025 freshers on February 17th and 18th, 2025, at 1000 capacity, south campus. The two- day event was designed to integrate new students into campus life, outline academic expectations, and reinforce the institution’s commitment to excellence and ethical standards.
During the orientation on the 17th of February, the new students received comprehensive training covering various aspects of academic and campus life. Sessions addressed topics such as campus safety, sports activities, entrepreneurship, and other essential areas. Specialist personnel provided lectures and practical demonstrations, including: Dr. Olaosebitan Rotimi, Director of VSECS; Dr. Akeredolu, Chief Sport Coach; Dr. Abiodun Adegbuyi, Deputy Registrar, Counselling Unit; Dr. Mrs. Florence Babalola, Director of CIDM; Dr. Olumuyiwa Ojo, Director of the Career Service Center; Dr. Ogunshina, Director of Medical Service; Dr. Mrs. Akintola, Director of Examination Conduct; Dr. Prince Shina Olatunji, DPO; Mr. Waheed Ojerinde, Chief Security Officer.
These sessions equipped the new students with the practical knowledge required to navigate their new academic environment successfully.
The following day, the matriculation ceremony commenced with a formal opening. The program began with the recitation of the national anthem, the Poly’Ibadan anthem, and the Oyo State anthem, all led by the Music Technology Department. The event was anchored by Mr. Soladoye Adewole, the institution’s Public Relations Officer.
Prominent dignitaries in attendance included: Mrs. Olaide Salawu, Deputy Rector; Mr. Joseph Ogunjimi, Acting Registrar; Mr. Moronkola Sanni, Acting Director of Works and Services; Mr. David Taiwo, Acting Bursar; Dr. Samuel Ajala, Acting Chief Librarian; The Dean, Student Affairs; Faculty Deans, various directors, Head of deportments, Deputy Registrars, other Top officials, and Student Union Representatives.
In a key segment of the ceremony, The Deputy Rector, Mrs. Olaide Salawu, speaking on behalf of The Acting Rector, Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi, invited each Faculty Dean to present the total number of students to be matriculated. Following this, The Acting Registrar, Mr. J.A. Ogunjimi, administered the matriculation oath, formally welcoming the new students into the institution. A brief musical interlude by the music technology department provided a welcome pause before the program continued.
During her matriculation address on behalf of The Acting Rector, Mrs. Salawu detailed the admission statistics for both the National Diploma (ND), and Higher National Diploma (HND) programs:
National Diploma (ND): Out of 13,066 applicants, 9,444 were admitted. Of these, 888 have paid their fees, and 472 are duly registered.
Higher National Diploma (HND): Out of 6,554 applicants, 3,971 were admitted. Among them, 1,212 have paid their fees, and 90 are duly registered.
Mrs. Salawu also recounted the rich history of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, established in 1970, emphasizing the institution’s sustained commitment to high educational standards through effective collaboration between teaching and non-teaching staff. She urged the students to become computer-wise, ensuring accurate online registration and meticulous maintenance of academic records.
In her address, Mrs. Salawu highlighted the success stories of notable alumni—philanthropists and distinguished professionals, including exemplary figures such as The Dean, Student Affairs and the institution’s Chief librarian. She made it unequivocally clear that the institution would not issue certificates to students who fail to uphold high moral standards. Additionally, she advised students to confirm their registered clubs and organizations with the Student Affairs Office before joining and warned against any form of harassment toward fellow students or lecturers, emphasizing that strict disciplinary actions would be enforced. She ended her speech by encouraging student to invest time on their studies to effectively face future challenges.
Practical instructions were also communicated: students who applied for NELFUND were directed to report to the Assembly Hall, North Campus on February 22, 2025, and all freshers were reminded to adhere to the specified protocols during the matriculation process.
The matriculation ceremony concluded with a final musical performance by the Music Technology Department, which served to usher out the school management and the freshers, marking the commencement of a promising academic journey at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
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