By Samson Oladejo
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Dr. Isiaka Tunji Adelabu, has continued his familiarisation visits to the institution’s host communities, seeking stronger collaboration, understanding and support for the sustainable development of the Polytechnic.
The latest engagement took the Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Yakubu Dati; the Rector; and members of the Polytechnic’s management team to Iresa-Pupa and Ayede in Ogbomosoland.
At the palace of the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye III, the Council Chairman, Hon. Dati, commended the monarch for his numerous contributions and sustained support for the Polytechnic since its establishment.
Dati explained that the visit was primarily to formally introduce the new Rector and members of his management team to the monarch and solicit his continued support and cooperation for the institution.
Responding, Oba Olayiwola pledged his continued support for the Polytechnic and assured the delegation of his readiness to work closely with the institution to ensure that it attains greater heights. He also prayed for the success of the new management team and presented gifts to the visiting delegation.
In his remarks, Dr. Adelabu appealed to the monarch and people of Iresa-Pupa to regard him as one of their sons, assuring them of his readiness to work closely with the community for the advancement of the Polytechnic.
The Rector also encouraged members of the community to enrol their children in the institution to enable them to benefit from the educational and developmental opportunities provided by the Polytechnic as a host community.
The delegation subsequently visited the Ogbomoso First Community Initiative, popularly known as the O-First Group in Ogbomoso, one of the facilities being utilised by the Polytechnic for the training of students in technical and vocational skills.
The team was received by the leadership of the organisation. One of its leaders and a facilitator of several facilities provided to the Polytechnic, Arch. Sakiru Soara, advised the Rector to carry the Principal Officers along in the day-to-day administration of the institution.
He stressed the importance of teamwork among the Principal Officers, noting that effective collaboration and unity of purpose would help the Polytechnic achieve greater progress.
The delegation was subsequently taken on an inspection tour of the new facilities at the centre.
The final leg of the visit was Ayede, the headquarters of Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area of Oyo State and the permanent host community of the Polytechnic, where the delegation received a warm welcome from members of the community.
Addressing the community, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Yakubu Dati, announced the appointment of the new Rector and other Principal Officers of the Polytechnic and formally presented them to the people.
He appealed to the people of Ayede to sustain their support, cooperation and partnership with the institution and its management.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Rev’d Dr. Abraham Okunade commended the people of Ayede for their cooperation with and support for the Polytechnic.
He, however, urged the management to fulfil the institution’s long-standing commitment to relocating to its permanent site in Ayede.
According to him, repeated delays in the relocation had weakened the confidence of some members of the community.
Responding, Dr. Adelabu acknowledged the concerns raised by the community, stating that he was aware of the Polytechnic’s commitment to moving to its permanent site.
He explained that accommodation and security remained critical considerations in the relocation of staff and students to Ayede.
The Rector assured the community that once the challenges were adequately addressed, the Polytechnic would commence a gradual relocation to its permanent site.
Members of the delegation included the Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Yakubu Dati; Deputy Rector (Academic), Dr. Azeez Olasunkanmi Ojo; Registrar, Mr. Akinlolu Akinpade; Bursar, Mr. Muftau Alao; Acting Polytechnic Librarian, Mr. Dare Samuel Adeleke; Deputy Registrar, Mr. G. K. Olantinwo; and other senior officers of the institution.