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By: Fayomi Busola R and Gbadebo Oladimeji E 

The Polytechnic, Ibadan, management gathered on the 10th of October, 2024, to pay tribute to the former Rector, Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi A, at a memorable valedictory service held at Assembly Hall, North campus.

Dignitaries, including the former Rector, Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi, were warmly welcomed to the high table, setting the tone for a special occasion. The event was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including members of the Governing Council, Management Staff, and Heads of Academic Departments, all gathered to honor Prof. Adebiyi’s remarkable tenure. The ceremony commenced with the rendition of the National Anthem, and the Oyo state anthem.

Dr. Taiwo Lasisi extend his heartfelt gratitude to each and every one present for celebrating the remarkable tenure of Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi A. In his address, he warmly welcomed the guests to the valedictory service,  honoring Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi’s dedication and service to The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

The event proceeded with a heartfelt tribute by the Head of Mass Communication Department, Dr. Olusoji Olatunji, who delivered a citation highlighting Prof. Adebiyi’s outstanding achievements, including over 137 publications, his dedication, transformative actions, and lasting legacy to The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Alhaji Soladoye, the Public Relations Officer, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, took the stage to highlight the outstanding achievements of Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi A, praising his visionary leadership during his five-year tenure as Rector, The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Under Prof. Adebiyi’s visionary leadership, “we’ve witnessed transformative growth”, he noted. Key Achievements; included the upgrading of former General Studies Department to a full-fledged Faculty of Social Management and Humanities (FSMH), from which three departments were created: Department of Language and Communications, Department of Social Science, and Department of Crime Management and Security Studies. Additionally five Certificate Courses were approved for these Departments: Certificate in English Proficiency, Certificate in Public Speech Orientation, Certificate in Business writing, Report writing and Academic writing, Certificate in Crime Management and Security Studies, and Certificate in Disaster Risk Management.

Furthermore, Prof. Adebiyi successfully secured accreditation for seven new academic programs:ND Photography Technology, ND Taxation, ND Cooperative Economics and Management, ND Pharmaceutical Technology, ND Tourism and Management Technology, HND Library and Information Science, and ND Metallurgical Engineering Technology. These accomplishments not only expand the institution’s academic offerings but also showcasing Prof. Adebiyi’s commitment to providing students with diverse and relevant educational opportunities. His dedication to academic excellence and institutional growth has left a lasting mark on The Polytechnic, Ibadan, significantly enhancing the institution’s academic landscape.

The service took an emotional turn as representatives from various stakeholders delivered goodwill messages and tributes. On behalf of the Management Team, Mr. Joseph Adewumi Ogunjimi , The Registrar, praised Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi A, unwavering commitment to staff welfare and institutional growth. Representing the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP),  Dr. Lawal commended Prof. Adebiyi’s transformative initiatives, which significantly enhanced teaching and learning experiences, encouraging all staffs to make use of native intelligence during his time in office. The Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and the Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASI) also applauded Prof. Adebiyi’s inclusive administration, noting his dedication to staff welfare and development. These heartfelt tributes resonated deeply, reflecting the profound impact of Prof. Adebiyi’s leadership on The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

The Music Technology Department, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, lightened the solemnity of the event with a tribute performance to Prof. Kazeem A. Adebiyi  enduring legacy. Following the musical interlude, The Acting Rector, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi presented a distinguished service gifts to the outgoing Rector, acknowledging his exemplary leadership and contributions.

Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi A, was visibly moved as he responded to the outpouring of tributes and accolades. With heartfelt gratitude, he expressed appreciation to the Polytechnic teaching and Non- teaching staffs, stakeholders, and well-wishers for their unwavering support during his tenure. “I am humbled by your kind words and generosity,” he said.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. F. A. Adeniran, former Acting Rector, who praised the organizers and participants for making the valedictory service a success. The Chief Librarian, Mr. Moronkola Munir Sanni, offered the closing prayer, seeking divine guidance and blessings for Prof. Adebiyi’s future endeavors and the continued prosperity of The Polytechnic, Ibadan. With heads bowed and hearts filled with gratitude.

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