In a recent visit to the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, the Governing Council, led by Chairman Hon. Yakubu Dati (FNIPR), celebrated the transformative impact of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFund) and commended the institution’s innovative strides under the leadership of Rector Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE).
Hon. Dati lauded the NELFund initiative for enabling numerous indigenous students to pursue higher education, remarking on its vital role in alleviating financial burdens for families. “The success stories of NELFund beneficiaries are a testament to the program’s effectiveness,” he stated, emphasizing the increasing interest from students eager to seize these educational opportunities. He further extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiative’s implementation, highlighting the positive ripple effect on the community.
During the visit, the council was introduced to an innovative project of 3D printing machine developed by Engr. Oluwafemi Tijani, a lecturer in the department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology of the institution through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Project Fabrication Grant, showcasing the creative potential flourishing within the institution, thanks to robust support from the Rector. “It’s inspiring to see leadership that looks beyond traditional boundaries to secure funding and realize innovative projects,” Dati remarked.
Rector Abdul-Hameed expressed his gratitude for the backing received from the Federal Government through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which played a vital role in the institution’s advancements. He highlighted the importance of effective project packaging, which ensures innovation is appreciated and recognized. “We continue to strive for excellence and improvement,” he noted, while thanking the Hon. Minister for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and supportive leadership of TETFund, particularly the Executive Secretary Arc. Sonny Echono and the Chairman Aminu Bello Masari.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Nwokorie Chinyere commended Federal Polytechnic Ayede for its achievements, stating, “Among its peers established at the same time, this institution stands out due to the dedication of the Rector and the management team.” She praised their efforts in positioning the school as a benchmark for excellence in polytechnic education.
Council member, Alhaji Modu Goba Mintar, echoed these sentiments, asserting, “The students here are among the brightest in both polytechnics and universities.” He emphasized the impressive standard of education present at Federal Polytechnic Ayede.
Prof. Jide Ajao, a community representative, also commended the leadership team for their substantial accomplishments and pledged to tackle any challenges necessary to further enhance the institution’s development.
In his remarks, Engr. Oluwafemi Tijani, the inventor of the 3D printing machine and a lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology, emphasized the transformative potential of 3D printing in academia. He noted that the machine serves as a crucial tool for enhancing rapid prototyping and facilitating research commercialization, stating, “Many of our projects on campus are not well packaged, which presents a problem.” He highlighted the importance of approaching challenges with practical solutions, asserting that proper additive manufacturing processes are essential for refining and packaging campus projects. Tijani advocated for aligning research outputs with international standards and commercial value, underscoring the need for a systematic approach to maximize the impact of their innovations.
