– Federal Polytechnic Ayede is more than just a place of learning; it is a community dedicated to nurturing talents, fostering innovation, and promoting a culture of integrity – Rector
– .This ceremony is not only a celebration of our graduands but also a testament to what purposeful leadership, dedication, and collaboration can achieve within a short period of time.
By Biola Lawal,
Ayede (Oyo State) Few weeks ago, the Campus of the increasingly famous Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, now fondly called, FEDPA, bubbled as the institution held its first ever Convocation ceremony attracting unusually high number of dignitariez from far and near.
The cynosure that day, however, was the pioneer Rector of the Institution, Dr. (Engr.) Taofeek Adekunle AbdulHameed, who through uncommon dedication, unusual leadership qualities nurtured the institution from Day one to unbelievable greatness, popularity and enviable all-round achievements with the first five years of the tertiary institution.
One of the most impressive event of the FEDPA Maiden convocation was the very rich, truthful and inspiring speech delivered by Dr. AbdulHameed. The Editorial Board of FLOWERBUDNEWS decided to present and publish the Historical speech verbatim for future record purposes. It is expected to serve as reference points for his peers as well as future academic and educational administrators.
FULL SPEECH BELOW::
CONVOCATION ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE COMBINED MAIDEN CONVOCATION CEREMONY FOR 2023/2024 AND 2024/2025 SETS OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC AYEDE, OYO STATE BY THE PIONEER RECTOR, ENGR. DR. TAOFEEK ADEKUNLE ABDUL-HAMEED (FNSE), ON THURSDAY, 12TH FEBRUARY, 2026 HELD AT THE INSTITUTION’S PERMANENT SITE, AYEDE, OGO-OLUWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE
PROTOCOLS:
It is with profound gratitude to Almighty Allah and a deep sense of honour that I welcome you all to this very historic maiden convocation ceremony of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Today marks a defining moment in the life of our young but promising Institution; a day that will be remembered as the formal celebration of academic excellence, resilience, and collective vision.This ceremony is not only a celebration of our graduands but also a testament to what purposeful leadership, dedication, and collaboration can achieve within a short period of time.
We gather here today to officially present to the world the first sets of graduates produced by the Federal Polytechnic Ayede. This, indeed, calls for celebration.I wish to express profound gratitude to our Visitor, His Excellency, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), for his tremendous role. The Institution has enjoyed marvelous support through Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the education sector.
I also acknowledge the unwavering commitment of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad; the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris M. Bugaje; Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sony Echono; and other regulatory bodies for their guidance, accreditation support, and continuous encouragement which have led us to this feat.Our sincere appreciation goes to the Governing Council of our Polytechnic, ably led by very distinguished and venerated Honourable Yakubu Dati (fnipr) for the strategic direction, policy guidance, and support.
I also commend other Principal Officers, Academic Board, Management Committee, Staff for their sacrifices, professionalism, and belief in the vision of this Institution.Let me emphatically state that Ogbomosoland is one of the best communities in the country and beyond. We have enjoyed maximum cooperation and supports from Ogbomoso sons and daughters too numerous to mention. So, I want to commend my father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland and the Soun-in-Council for their special interest in the growth of Federal Polytechnic Ayede. His Imperial Majesty has constantly linked us with groups, individuals and government functionaries at the Federal Government level and beyond to come to our aid in diverse areas, including infrastructure and other amenities.
Similarly, I want to also sincerely commend the efforts of His Royal Majesties, the Alajaawa of Ajaawa, Oba Thomas Adeyeye Oyetunji, Atunlute Olumole I; the Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran, Lagbami Osekun III; Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao; Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola JP, Ajiboye III and many other traditional rulers too numerous to list.
I must not fail to appreciate our host communities, community leaders, the good people of Ayede and its environs for their hospitality, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence since the establishment of the Polytechnic. A whole lot of people paid very pivotal role in the progress and development of our Polytechnic. We have strengthened our relationship with the Oyo State Government as led by His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
On this, we must appreciate the effort of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran, the Onpetu of Ijeru in facilitating our meeting with the Governor. Just last week, the Chairman of Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area, Hon. Seun Ojo, also promised to bear our message of infrastructure needs to Governor Makinde. We thank Mr. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas (GCON) for his support. I also salute the Executive Chairman, Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Drr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, for his huge support. In fact, one of our biggest challenges remains access roads to our Permanent Site. Today, I proudly tell this gathering that the road from Idi-Araba is now under construction as facilitated by Dr. Adedeji, an illustrious son of Iwo-Ate in Ogo-Oluwa LGA.
Importantly, Arc. Sakiru Akionla Suara, Alhaji Alimi Sarumi, Alhaji Lamidi Monsuru Ayoade Ejide, Pa Festus OLadejo Ajani, Barrister Chief Olusegun Adeyemi Adekunle (OON), Senator Hamzat Ayoade Adeseun, among others, are hugely commended. Your names have, indeed, been written in gold as far as this institution is concernedThese development-oriented individuals have donated projects to us and we remain grateful for their supports. We cannot forget the unwavering commitment of the Ogbomosoland Consultative Council (OCC), Ogbomoso First Community Initiative (O’First Group), Ogbomoso Pivotal Club, among others. Established on January 19, 2021, Federal Polytechnic Ayede is distinguished by outstanding attainments across different areas. Such attainments represent milestones in diverse fields throughout its shortest journey. The Polytechnic commenced academic activities in 2023 with the NBTE approval for four (4) National Diploma programmes in Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Science Laboratory Technology, and Statistics.
Between December 27 and December 30, 2023, the Institution invited the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for Resource Verification of nine National Diploma (ND) programmes that were not granted in the first instance. Interestingly, we secured the NBTE’s approval for eight (8) out of nine. We later secured approval to commence ND in Office Technology and Management. The Polytechnic now offers National 13 ND programmes in Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Science Laboratory Technology, Statistics, Agricultural Technology, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, Urban and Regional Planning, Estate Management and Valuation, Tourism Management Technology, Office Technology and Management, Business Administration and Management, Accountancy, and Public Administration.Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the journey of Federal Polytechnic Ayede has been one of determination and steady progress. From its inception, the institution was conceived to serve as a centre of excellence for technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial education, with emphasis on innovation, self-reliance, and national development. As an institution, we have held on to this determination and by the grace of Almighty ALLAH, we are making tremendous progress. Federal Polytechnic Ayede is more than just a place of learning; it is a community dedicated to nurturing talents, fostering innovation, and promoting a culture of integrity. We pride ourselves on providing a dynamic and inclusive environment where every student can thrive and realize their full potential. I humbly say that Federal Polytechnic Ayede, indeed, stands out with our skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes championed by the Institution’s Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (CSAED). It will interest you to know that all our graduands are graduating with National Diploma in their fields of studies and at least two other certificates in their chosen vocations.
Our robust trainings, together with the certificates will make them employers of labour, and not just job seekers, creating jobs and wealth for themselves and others.Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it will interest you to know that among the six Polytechnics established by the previous administration, Ayede stands out. We are taking the lead in many areas and we have been commended by our regulatory bodies. Resolve to Relocate to Permanent SiteSince we commenced operation at our Temporary Site in Iresa-Pupa, Surulere Local Government Area, we have been striving to ensure that our relocation to the Permanent Site comes quickly.
As you can see around, we have put edifices here but we have not been able to use the facilities due to poor access roads. Now, I want to tell the world that there is no better time to move to the Permanent Site here than now. Interestingly, we remain committed to that and as we have staged the Convocation events here, we have come to stay in Ayede. We have fully prepared for this. To ease the movement, we have met with critical stakeholders (Chairman of the Council Area and Traditional Rulers led by the Alajaawa of Ajaawa) and particularly the Ayede Community.
Convocation Lecture:
At our maiden convocation lecture yesterday, the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch. Adelabu Adedeji, did justice to the theme “The Role of Technology in Implementing Nigeria’s New Tax Laws: Challenges, Prospects, and Implications for National Development” under the chairmanship of Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, GCON, Speaker, House of Representatives. The effort of the duo are not, in any way, taken for granted. We, indeed, gather here today to celebrate the achievements of our graduands and acknowledge the hard work, dedication and perseverance that aided their academic journey so far. Today, we honour our graduands’ academic excellence, leadership and commitment.
On behalf of the Governing Council, ably led by Honourable Yakubu Dati (fnipr), Academic Board, Management, Staff and Students of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, I bring heartfelt felicitations to the graduands, their families, and also to the Institution for training, molding, nurturing and developing the celebrants of today as solutions providers in the country.Academic ProgrammesFederal Polytechnic Ayede currently runs 13 National Diploma (ND) programmes in five Schools: Agricultural Technology, Engineering Technology, Environmental Technology, Management Sciences, as well as Science and Technology. The Departments, ladies and gentlemen, are Agricultural Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, Urban and Regional Planning, Estate Management and Valuation, Accountancy, Business Administration and Management, Public Administration, Office Technology and Management, Computer Science, Science Laboratory Technology, Statistics, Tourism Management Technology, including General Studies, a service Department.
The GraduandsToday, we are graduating a grand total number of 325 graduands for the combination of 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 sessions. For the 2023/2024 session, we have a total of 138 graduands from Departments of Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Science Laboratory Technology and Statistics. Out of this figure for the session; 29 graduands are in the Distinction category; 49 are in Upper Credit; 52 make Lower Credit and 8 of them are in the Pass category. For the 2024/2025, our graduands cover 13 Academic Departments and we have a total of 187 of them. Out of this figure, 43 graduands are in the Distinction category; 66 make Upper Credit; 67 graduate with Lower Credit while 11 are in the Pass category.I am delighted to inform you that Miss Taiwo Ibukunoluwa Arinola who is graduating with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.96 from the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, School of Science and Technology is the Overall Best Graduating Student for the 2023/2024 Academic Session.
Similarly, Mr. Olapese Quadri Ayofe who is graduating with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.96 from the Department of Agricultural Technology, School of Agricultural Technology is the Overall Best Graduating Student for the 2024/2025 Academic Session. I am highly elated to congratulate the parents, guardians and families who have severally supported and encouraged these outstanding giants and for guiding them to have so been found worthy both in character and learning. To all our graduadands, Federal Polyechnic Ayede has nurtured you into greatness through the knowledge and the skills you have acquired here. I charge you, therefore, to be good ambassadors of Federal Polytechnic Ayede wherever you go henceforth.
I beseech you, our dear graduands, to always remember to give back to this citadel of learning that has refined you for greatness. Our graduands are, indeed, lucky to have passed through this institution, graduating with National Diplomas and other certificates in skills development. Dear graduands, as you stand to celebrate this achievement, remember that your journey had just begun. Let me sound it that the world needs your unique knowledge, skills and innovation.
So, on behalf of our Governing Council and Academic Board, I, once again, congratulate the graduands, their parent parents and guardians, their families, and well-wishers. I must also also congratulate the entire Polytechnic Community on this milestone.
Fellowship Awards: Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we immensely appreciate the role of all our donors of projects both in our Temporary and Permanent Sites. However, the following eminent Nigerians have been selected for our Fellowship Awards at today’s event: Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas GCON, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, Executive Chairman, Nigeria Revenue Service; and Engr. Dr. Abubakar Isa, Chairman/CEO of Spectrum Engineering Ltd. We found amply qualified to be so awarded because of their contributions not only to the education sector bus also to humanity at large.
Achievements:
Distinguished Chairman and dignitaries here present, since its establishment in 2021, Federal Polytechnic Ayede has pursued deliberate, measurable development anchored on infrastructure, research, staff capacity, and partnerships. Within a short period, the Polytechnic has successfully executed sixty-eight (68) major infrastructural, utility, ICT, and equipment projects across its Permanent Campus in Ayede and Temporary Campus at Iresa-Pupa.
These projects were funded through a combination of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Annual, Zonal, ICT, Take-Off and Special High-Impact Interventions, Federal Government Capital Appropriations, support from Federal Ministries, institutional consult initiatives, and philanthropic donations.At the Permanent Site, completed TETFund- and Capital-funded projects include the Main Administrative Building, Twin Departmental Building, Health Centre, Gate Houses, Urban and Regional Planning Building, ICT Centre, Mechanical Workshop, Mini Library, boreholes, 11KVA Power Infrastructure, internal roads, Six Utility Vehicles, classrooms, staff offices, and support facilities. Major ongoing projects include the Main Library, Multi-Skills Acquisition Centre, Electrical/Electronics Engineering Building, Electrical/Electronics Laboratories, 33KVA power installation, supply of electrical laboratory equipment, and an ambulance, largely funded by TETFund Annual and Special High-Impact Projects.Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, at the Temporary Site, we have delivered projects such as a 230-capacity auditorium (TETFund), administrative buildings and road infrastructure (Federal Ministry of Works), office complexes (Polytechnic Consults), renovation of Science Laboratory Technology laboratories, Career Service Centre, public conveniences, boreholes, solar installations, and extensive ICT and digitalisation upgrades, funded through TETFund, Capital Appropriation, Overhead votes, and special interventions.In addition, the Polytechnic has benefitted from notable donor-supported projects, including the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria FRIN) Building donated by Professor Adesola Adepoju, lecture halls donated by Alhaji Lamidi Monsur Ayoade Ejide, Pa Festus OLadejo Ajani and Alhaji Alimi Sarumi, office equipment donated by the Ogbomosoland Consultative Council, 2-year rent free Staff Quarters donated by Senator Hamzat Ayoade Adeseun and a ₦1 million cash donation by the Ogbomoso Pivotal Club, used for the renovation of the Adeseun ICT Centre, now deployed for Polytechnic academic use.
These donations underscore strong community ownership and stakeholder confidence in the institution.Beyond infrastructure, the Polytechnic has recorded strong performance in research and innovation. To date, over sixty-four (64) Institution-Based Research (IBR) projects have been successfully carried out across disciplines, alongside nine (9) completed TETFund-funded fabrication projects, including machines for agriculture, construction, food processing, electronics, and digital manufacturing.
These outputs reinforce the Polytechnic’s applied research mandate and industry relevance.Staff capacity development has equally been prioritised. Currently, fifteen (15) academic staff have benefitted from TETFund PhD and MSc scholarships in Nigerian universities, while over one hundred and ninety (190) staff members have benefitted from local and international conferences, workshops, and specialised professional trainings across Nigeria, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom.
.
This sustained investment in human capital has strengthened teaching quality, research output, administrative efficiency, and institutional resilience.In recognition of the importance of structured engagement and industrial harmony, the Rector also inaugurated two staff unions on campus, namely the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), thereby entrenching orderly representation, dialogue, and institutional stability.In the area of sports and student development, the Polytechnic has steadily built a culture of participation and excellence.
The institution recorded podium finishes at the 21st Nigerian Polytechnic Senior Staff Games (NIPOSSGA), successfully organised the Maiden and Second Editions of the Rector’s Cup Football Competition, created a temporary sports field for regular training and competitions, and made its first official appearance at the Nigerian Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) on observer status.
These achievements reflect our commitment to holistic education that promotes teamwork, discipline, physical fitness, and community engagement alongside academic pursuits.Taken together, these achievements reflect prudent utilisation of public funds, effective engagement with funding agencies and donors, and a clear institutional vision. They provide a solid physical, intellectual, and human foundation upon which Federal Polytechnic Ayede will continue to grow, innovate, and serve national development in the years ahead.Areas of Needs.
The sustainable growth and long-term success of Federal Polytechnic Ayede depend largely on the collective support of key stakeholders and government at all levels. One of the pressing needs of the institution is the urgent construction of access roads linking the Polytechnic from Idi Araba (under construction), Oolo and Odo Oba.
These roads will serve as vital lifeline for students, staff, visitors, and host communities. Construction of such roads will not only ease the transportation but also enhance security, encourage investment and foster stronger town-gown relationships. Equally crucial is the issue of adequate and affordable accommodation for staff and students.
Purpose built-hostels and private-public partnership initiatives in student housing will go a long way in promoting academic focus, welfare, and discipline while also stimulating local economic activities. Beyond roads and accommodation, there is a compelling need for the provision of other essential amenities such as potable water, stable electricity, healthcare facilities, digital infrastructure, and recreational spaces. Investment in these critical areas, through government at all levels, will strengthen the Polytechnic’s capacity to deliver quality technical and vocational education, in line with national development goals.
We, therefore, call on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, Local Government Areas in Ogbomoso zone and beyond, relevant agencies, traditional institutions, and well-meaning stakeholders to join hands in supporting Federal Polytechnic Ayede. Provision of such infrastructure will yield lasting benefits for the institution and the surrounding communities.
We are very appreciative of the various interventions and supports received from well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations. But like Oliver Twist, I beseech them all to continue in the spirit in order to move the Polytechnic forward. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, our appeal goes to the local, state, national and international communities, as well as groups and philanthropists to come to our aid on infrastructure development like good road networks in our Permanent Site and other basic amenities, recognising that the governments cannot do it alone. Just as we have so decided to move to our Permanent Site here in Ayede, the movement has, indeed, allayed the fear that the Polytechnic had been hijacked from Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area.
We would have moved down here long before now. But we were handicapped by some factors: access roads to the institution, electricity, accommodation for staff and students, and other basic amenities in the Ayede community. We have sought supports of many sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland on infrastructure generally. Therefore, I am soliciting the supports of our Fellowship Awardees to always come to our aid in meeting our diverse needs.
Sirs, I beseech you kindly see Federal Polytechnic Ayede as your project which must always occupy top position among the comity of higher institutions in Nigeria and beyond. It is on this note that sincerely thank everybody who has been part of this event. God bless you all.
(Signed:Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, FNSE, FIMC, FNIEE, FIPMD, IIONPioneer Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State.)
About Flowerbudnews
Established by Hon. Biola Lawal, a former Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FLOWERBUDNEWS is a consortium of active veteran journalists, experienced Multimedia broadcast experts and image makers.
We are drawn from both public and private sectors of Nigeria’s media Industry with a common determination to enhance the practice of responsible journalism..
Lawal, on his part, is also a former Honourable Commissioner for Information,Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, his home state.
Biola Lawal had also successfully served two tenures as Press Secretary to the ECOMOG Force Commander in Liberia during the Liberian and Sierra Leone Civil wars. He was an outstanding NAN Defence and War Correspondent for many years.
The retired NAN Acting Boss holds the honour of being the only journalist that served two terms on the ECOMOG international assignment due to his high professionalism and decency.
He is a Co-Author of the book; ECOMOG, A BOLD ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL PEACEKEEPING! Edited Mrs Magaret Voght. The book remains the most. factual, detailed and authentic book on the ECOWAS sponsored ECOMOG Military operation.