The Acting Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi, has reaffirmed his commitment to repositioning the institution through improved security and student development initiatives, pledging to leave the institution better than he met it.
Dr. Lasisi made the commitment while receiving officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), led by the Divisional Officer of Irepodun Division, Superintendent Olugbenga Odesina, at the Rector’s office. He said the management had intensified efforts to safeguard lives and property on campus, describing security as a top priority under his administration.
According to the Acting Rector, the institution has strengthened its internal security architecture by creating an Operations Department within the Security Unit, which reports directly to his office. He disclosed that personnel of the unit have unrestricted access to him at any time of the day to ensure prompt response to security issues. He added that the institution was working closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the NSCDC, and the Amotekun Corps to maintain peace and order on campus.
Dr. Lasisi noted that the enhanced security framework was designed to curb inappropriate activities by students and other individuals capable of disrupting the academic environment. He commended the various security agencies for their continuous support and swift intervention whenever called upon.
Speaking during the visit, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Mr. John Makinde, appreciated the NSCDC for its partnership with the institution, expressing confidence that the visit would further strengthen collaboration between the Polytechnic management and the security agency.
Earlier, Superintendent Olugbenga Odesina said The Polytechnic, Ibadan, remained under the security surveillance of his command because of its large student population and strategic importance. He explained that the Federal Government’s Safe School Programme had placed greater emphasis on protecting educational institutions, preventing crime, and promoting peaceful coexistence.
In a related development, Dr. Lasisi identified unemployment as one of the major global challenges confronting nations, stressing the need for deliberate efforts to equip students with employable and entrepreneurial skills before graduation.
The Acting Rector made the remark while receiving a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, led by Mrs. Lawal Adebisi Omolola, during a courtesy visit to the institution. The delegation sought collaboration with the Polytechnic to prepare students for the labour market through career and employability training.
Under the initiative, the Ministry will organise a one-day employability workshop for 80 students of the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies on Friday, August 14, while similar programmes will subsequently be extended to students of other faculties.
Dr. Lasisi assured the Ministry of the institution’s full cooperation and support to ensure the success of the programme, describing the initiative as timely and beneficial to students.
Mrs. Lawal, on her part, said the training was designed to expose students to emerging opportunities in the labour market and encourage them to think beyond conventional employment by developing innovative and entrepreneurial mindsets.
