There are clear indications that the Federal Polytechnic Ayede will commence academic activities with the 2022/2023 Session.
The rector of the newly founded polytechnic Dr Taofeek Adekunle who disclosed this at the town hall meeting with stakeholders in Ogbomoso on Wednesday also said the new staff will soon be receiving their letter of appointments.
Dr Adekunle said they are almost done with the necessary requirements for the takeoff but await the approval and accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education NBTE which he said is likely to be achieved on or before October 2022.
In his remark, the chairman Governing council, Dakas J Dakas SAN said the management of the institution is poised to give their best in ensuring the school commences and retain high moral and academic standard
He said they will not be involved in any religious or ethnic issues that may truncate peaceful coexistence and advancement of the new school
Dakas who acknowledge the roles being played by the indigenes commended them for their unflinching support and promised not to betrayed the confidence reposed in them by the government and the people of ogbomosoland
Some of the speakers at the Cocktail Reception organized by the Ogbomoso Consultative Forum including, Dr Saka Balogun, Major General Oladayo Popoola (Rtd) Barrister Olusegun Adekunle, Amb Akin Oyateru, Prof Jekayinfa, Professor Jide Ajao, Professor Segun Ajiboye and others task the management team on the need to ensure smooth takeoff and promised continuous support for the institute.
Professor Aderinto, a retired professor from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife said he and other academias from Ogbomoso will make themselves available in assisting the school on resource verification and others.
Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, whose speech was delivered by the TRCN boss, Prof. Segun Ajiboye, narrated, “When the idea of the polytechnic came, the Community was not sleeping. The Ogbomoso Community set up an implementation committee under the auspices of the OCC. Immediately we got the green light, you will recollect when polytechnics were to be set up, six of them came at the same time. Three had locations, ours and two others.
“Part of our jobs was to draw up programmes and that was done by a sub-committee led by Prof. Rom Kalilu. The minister donated a bus to the institution. We have made strides and by September this year, we are going to take off.
“I want to assure you that the OCC and the Ogbomoso people will continue to support the lofty institution’s objectives. We are going to have a big lunching to do something that is tangible for the polytechnic. So, Ogbomoso people should rest assured that the polytechnic has come to stay and that it is a law and the law calls it Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Ogo Oluwa local government area of the state.”
Speaking further, the minister charged the council to build relationship with some notable leaders of the community to achieve the desired results.
“Another thing I will quickly tell the council is that they should not forget the roots; there are contacts that they need. And I know the council chairman will get the contacts of our notable community members even from today. We have also discussed with the rector. Our federal lawmakers and others could be of help to sustain the legacy, especially in terms of zonal intervention projects. I have also discussed with the rector on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).
“We don’t have to forget history. We had a permanent secretary when the issue of the school came in Abuja. Please, remember him. The rector and the registrar should go and meet him,” he added.
Heads/representatives of other community groups/institutions like the Ogbomoso Parapo, Ogbomoso Recreation Club, O’First Group, Ogbomoso Community Youth Forum, Ladoke Akintola University ofmTechnology, Ogbomoso, among others, were present.
One of the heights of the reception was the presentation of awards to Prof. Dakas and Dr Abdulhamid by the OCC.
The Federal institution was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari in Feb 2021 and appoint Rector ,Governing council in April 2021
In a bid to ensure hitch free take off and sustainability, the late Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Jimoh Oladuni Oyewumi Soun Ajagungbade set up a group of eminent indigenes of Ogbomoso called Ogbomoso Consultative Council which aims at ensuring adequate support for developmental projects in the community.
To a very large extent OCC through some of its influential members have been able to raise funds, facilitate and donate items that would enhance smooth operation of the institute
