The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE), has reaffirmed the institution’s unwavering commitment to sustaining excellence following high commendation from Bola Tinubu, who described the polytechnic as the best-performing among federal polytechnics established in 2021.
President Tinubu, who is the Visitor to the institution, gave the commendation at the combined maiden convocation ceremony where 325 students graduated from the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions. Represented by Dr. Usman Ejeh, Director of Polytechnics and Allied Institutions at the Federal Ministry of Education, the President praised the institution’s rapid infrastructural expansion, academic stability, and strategic growth within five years.
“The Federal Polytechnic Ayede has distinguished itself among its peers established in 2021. Its commitment to infrastructure, skills acquisition, and academic stability clearly positions it as a model institution,” the President stated, aligning the polytechnic’s achievements with the Federal Government’s reform agenda for technical and vocational education.
In his appreciation message, the Rector, speaking on behalf of the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, Staff, and Students, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his visionary policies, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, curriculum modernisation, infrastructural renewal, and digital skills expansion.
“We are deeply honoured by the recognition from Mr. President. This commendation is not only a validation of our modest efforts but also a call to greater responsibility. We will continue to sustain this excellence, consolidate on our gains, and further position Federal Polytechnic Ayede as a leading hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technical competence,” the Rector affirmed.
Dr. Abdul-Hameed described the combined convocation ceremony as a defining milestone in the history of the institution, noting that 138 students graduated in the 2023/2024 session and 187 in the 2024/2025 session, bringing the total to 325 pioneer graduands.
“Our graduates are not just job seekers but employers of labour. Beyond their National Diploma certificates, each has acquired at least two additional vocational certifications through our Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development. We have deliberately equipped them with practical and entrepreneurial competencies,” he said.
The Rector also appreciated the support of the National Board for Technical Education and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for accreditation and infrastructural interventions that accelerated the institution’s development, disclosing that 68 major projects have been executed across both temporary and permanent sites, alongside over 64 research projects and nine TETFund-supported fabrication innovations.
He extended special appreciation to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service and guest lecturer, Dr. Zacch Adedeji; and Dr. Abubakar Isa for their presence and support, as well as to revered traditional rulers including the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandy Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III; the Timi of Ede, Oba Adesola Munirudeen Lawal; and the Aresa of Iresapupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye, alongside distinguished senators, rectors of sister institutions, scholars, and other dignitaries who graced the historic ceremony.
“We are sincerely grateful to all our royal fathers, political leaders, corporate partners, regulatory agencies, and members of the host community whose presence added prestige and significance to this landmark event. Their support strengthens our resolve to relocate fully to our permanent site in Ayede and continue building an institution that Nigeria will always be proud of,” he added.
With a presidential endorsement and growing national recognition, Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s maiden convocation has not only celebrated its first set of graduates but also firmly established the young institution as a model of strategic leadership, academic stability, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s technical education landscape.