The Polytechnic, Ibadan (TPI) has announced that its 39th Convocation Ceremony will take place on Friday, February 14, 2025
The event which will be graced by the Visitor to the Institution, Governor Seyi Makinde, as the Special Guest of Honour will hold at at the institution’s 1,000-seater hall.
The Acting Rector, Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi, while briefing the a press at the CIBN Hall of the institution on thursday stated that the ceremony will be preceded by a series of activities, including religious services, a convocation lecture, and rehearsals for graduands.
Convocation Activities and Readiness
The institution has lined up several activities leading to the convocation:
Friday, Feb. 7 – Jumat service at the institution’s Central Mosque.
Sunday, Feb. 9 – Christian service at The Lord’s Chapel, the institution’s official interdenominational church.
Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Convocation lecture by Prof. Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, on the topic: “Emerging Technological Advancement, National Development and Growth in the 21st Century: Repositioning Nigerian Polytechnics.”
Dr. Lasisi emphasized that all certificates for graduands have been signed and are ready for collection immediately after the convocation ceremony.
He also noted that thousands of certificates from previous graduates remain uncollected, and the institution is considering imposing fines for delay in collection.
He added that the convocation will exclusively feature the 2023/24 academic session graduates, as the institution no longer has a backlog of unconvocated students.
The Acting Rector reaffirmed TPI’s commitment to academic excellence and discipline, stating that some students who were admitted alongside the current graduands were dismissed due to academic incompetence or misconduct.
“Certificates are not awarded based on academic performance alone; recipients must also be worthy in learning and character,” he said.
On security arrangement, Dr. Lasisi assured the public of tight security during the convocation ceremony. “Apart from the institution’s internal security unit, external security agencies such as the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and Amotekun have been mobilized to ensure a peaceful and orderly event.”
“The institution has zero tolerance for violence, and security operatives—some in plain clothes—will be on the ground to maintain order,” he added.
Dr. Lasisi expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for prioritizing education in Oyo State. He noted that the governor has played a crucial role in supporting TPI, particularly in accreditation, re-accreditation, and the introduction of new programs.
He also highlighted the institution’s legacy of producing distinguished alumni, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Iba of Kisi, Oba Aweda Lawal; and the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
“Aside from traditional rulers, our institution has also produced former governors, senators, lawmakers, captains of industries, and technocrats who continue to contribute to national development,” he said.
He however thanked the press and all stakeholders for their contributions to the growth of the institution, stating, “The Polytechnic, Ibadan, will continue to uphold its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading polytechnics.”
