Author: Samson Oladejo

Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, on Wednesday, 11th February 2026, at its permanent site in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area, hosted a landmark maiden convocation lecture that elevated the institution into the centre of a critical national discourse on governance, technology, and fiscal reform.

Delivering the lecture, the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, spoke on the topic “The Role of Technology in Implementing Nigeria’s New Tax Laws: Challenges, Prospects, and Implications for National Development,” presenting a compelling argument that technology is the decisive factor that will determine the success of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws.

Dr. Adedeji described the new tax laws as the most significant restructuring of Nigeria’s fiscal legislation in fifty years, noting that while they appear as legal reforms, they are fundamentally designed for a digital environment. According to him, without technology, the laws remain aspirational; with technology, they become operational.

He explained that the true measure of any law is not how impressive it appears on paper, but how effectively the systems behind it translate policy into everyday reality. In modern tax administration, he said, technology has moved beyond support to become the very core of enforcement, transparency, and fairness.

In one of the most striking insights of the lecture, Dr. Adedeji revealed that a technology-driven tax system has the capacity to expand Nigeria’s tax base without increasing tax rates, simply by improving visibility, compliance, and coordination across economic activities. This, he noted, would reduce the burden on existing taxpayers while strengthening fairness and legitimacy in the system.

He described technology as “the invisible tax officer” that does not negotiate, forget, or selectively enforce, stressing that data has now become the real infrastructure of tax administration, just as roads and bridges serve the physical economy.

However, he cautioned that technology is not a magic solution. Rather, it exposes institutional weaknesses before delivering improvement. He identified infrastructure gaps, skills shortages, cybersecurity concerns, and resistance to transparency as major challenges that must be addressed for digital tax reform to succeed.

Significantly, Dr. Adedeji placed strong emphasis on the role of higher institutions, particularly Polytechnics, in supplying the skilled manpower required for this transformation. He noted that modern tax systems now require software developers, data analysts, ethical technologists, and system thinkers — competencies that institutions like Federal Polytechnic Ayede are uniquely positioned to produce.

“Technology without human capacity creates dependency,” he remarked, underscoring the need for relevant training, reskilling, and curriculum alignment in higher education.

The lecture further connected technology-driven tax administration to national development, explaining that predictable revenue enabled by digital compliance allows governments to plan better, execute projects consistently, and strengthen the social contract between citizens and the state.

In his welcome address, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE), warmly received the NRS Chairman, describing him as “our own.” Speaking on behalf of the Governing Council led by Hon. Yakubu Dati (FNIPR), the Rector expressed deep appreciation to Dr. Adedeji for honouring the institution despite his demanding schedule.

He urged participants to listen attentively to the lecture, noting that the insights about to be shared would be of immense benefit both individually and collectively.

Other dignitaries at the event included Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari and Sen. Ayo Adeseun, among others.

The event demonstrated Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s emerging stature as not just an academic institution, but a platform where practical solutions to Nigeria’s governance challenges are interrogated and discussed. By hosting a lecture that connected technology, law, education, and national development, the Polytechnic’s maiden convocation lecture projected the institution as a contributor to national progress and policy thought leadership.

Beyond celebrating graduates, the occasion firmly positioned Federal Polytechnic Ayede and its leadership at the forefront of conversations that matter to Nigeria’s future.

History, progress, and promise converged at the Permanent Site of Federal Polytechnic Ayede as the Pioneer Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, FNSE, addressed the media at the institution’s first-ever Pre-Convocation Press Conference—an event that set the tone for the Polytechnic’s maiden combined convocation ceremonies for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions.

Established on January 19, 2021, the institution has, within five years, built an enviable trajectory of academic excellence, infrastructural expansion, and stakeholder collaboration, positioning itself as a fast-rising centre for technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial education in Nigeria.

“This engagement is not only historic; it reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and partnership with the media as we showcase what has been achieved in a very short time,” the Rector stated.

The combined convocation, which commenced with a Church Service at the Temporary Site in Iresa-Pupa, spans six days of activities that reflect both academic pride and institutional culture. Highlights include a Novelty Match between teaching and non-teaching staff, a maiden Convocation Lecture at the Permanent Site to be delivered by Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), and chaired by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, GCON.

The grand ceremony on Thursday will witness the award of National Diplomas to 325 graduands, presentation of prizes, and the conferment of the Fellowship of the Polytechnic on Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, and Engr. Dr. Abubakar Isa. The programme concludes with Jumat Prayer on Friday.

The Rector expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under whose Renewed Hope Agenda the Polytechnic has thrived, as well as to the Hon. Minister of Education, NBTE, TETFund, and the Governing Council led by Hon. Yakubu Dati(FNIPR).

He acknowledged the pivotal role of traditional rulers led by the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, alongside other monarchs and host communities whose support has been instrumental since inception. The Oyo State Government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, and the Chairman of Ogo-Oluwa Local Government, Hon. Seun Ojo, were also commended for their cooperation and responsiveness to the Polytechnic’s infrastructure needs.

Particular mention was made of Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji for facilitating the access road project from Idi-Araba, now under construction—an intervention described as transformative for the Permanent Site.

From an initial approval of four National Diploma programmes in 2023, the Polytechnic now runs thirteen NBTE-approved ND programmes across five Schools, reflecting rapid academic expansion. These programmes span Engineering, Environmental, Agricultural, Management, and Science and Technology disciplines, supported by a robust General Studies Department.

Through the Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (CSAED), every graduand earns at least two additional vocational certificates, strengthening employability and enterprise creation.

The combined convocation will graduate 325 students. For 2023/2024, 138 graduands emerged, including 29 distinctions, while the 2024/2025 session produced 187 graduands with 43 distinctions.

The Overall Best Graduating Students, each with a CGPA of 3.96, are Miss Taiwo Ibukunoluwa Arinola (Science Laboratory Technology) and Mr. Olapese Quadri Ayofe (Agricultural Technology).

In five years, the Polytechnic has executed 68 major projects across its Permanent and Temporary campuses, funded through TETFund interventions, federal appropriations, consult initiatives, and philanthropic support.

Ongoing projects include a Main Library, Multi-Skills Centre, Electrical/Electronics Laboratories, and 33KVA power installation. Donor contributions from eminent sons of Ogbomoso and organisations have significantly complemented federal efforts.

Beyond infrastructure, the institution has completed over 90 Institution-Based Research projects and nine TETFund fabrication projects addressing practical challenges in agriculture, construction, food processing, and digital manufacturing.

Fifteen academic staff have benefited from TETFund postgraduate scholarships, while over 190 staff have attended conferences and trainings locally and internationally.

The Rector reaffirmed the Polytechnic’s commitment to consolidating operations at the Permanent Site in Ayede, symbolised by hosting key convocation events there.

However, he made a passionate appeal for continued support in critical areas: access roads from Oolo and Odo-Oba, staff and student hostels through PPP arrangements, potable water, electricity, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and recreational facilities.

“The government alone cannot meet all these needs in the shortest possible time. We call on partners, agencies, communities, and individuals to join us in building this institution into a model Polytechnic,” he urged.

The press conference was not merely a prelude to a convocation; it was a compelling narrative of how vision, leadership, collaboration, and community ownership have transformed a newly established Polytechnic into a thriving academic institution within half a decade.

As Federal Polytechnic Ayede prepares to graduate its first sets of students, it does so not only with certificates in hand, but with a powerful statement: the Polytechnic has come to stay—and to lead.

Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, is set to make history as it rolls out a week-long line-up of events for its Combined Maiden Convocation Ceremony—a landmark celebration that will witness the award of National Diplomas, Prizes, and Prestigious Fellowship Honours to distinguished Nigerians.

The colourful and symbolic programme, scheduled to hold from Sunday, 8th February to Friday, 13th February, 2026, reflects the institution’s rapid growth, academic strides, and rising national relevance as one of Nigeria’s emerging centres of excellence in technical and vocational education.

A Week of Celebration, Reflection, and Honour

The convocation activities will commence on Sunday, 8th February, 2026, with a Church Service at the TETFund Building, Temporary Site, Iresa-Pupa, by 10:00 a.m.

On Monday, 9th February, the Polytechnic will host a Press Conference at the Administrative Building, Permanent Site, at 11:00 a.m., providing insights into the institution’s journey and milestones ahead of the historic ceremony.

In the spirit of unity and camaraderie, a Novelty Match between Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff will take place on Tuesday, 10th February, at the Polytechnic Sports Ground, Temporary Site, by 3:00 p.m.

High-Profile Convocation Lecture

A major highlight of the week will be the Convocation Lecture on Wednesday, 11th February, 2026, to be delivered by Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

The lecture, titled:
“The Role of Technology in Implementing Nigeria’s New Tax Laws: Challenges, Prospects, and Implications for National Development,”
will hold at the Permanent Site at 12 noon.

The event will be chaired by the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, underscoring the national importance attached to the maiden convocation.

Grand Convocation Ceremony and Fellowship Awards

The grand ceremony will hold on Thursday, 12th February, 2026, at the Permanent Site, Ogo Oluwa LGA, Ogbomoso, by 10:00 a.m.

During the ceremony, the Polytechnic will confer its prestigious Fellowship Awards on three eminent Nigerians:

Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON

Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji

Dr. Abubakar Isa

The ceremony will also feature the award of National Diplomas and Prizes to the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 graduating sets.

The week will conclude with a Jumat Prayer on Friday, 13th February, 2026, at the Temporary Site, Iresa-Pupa, by 1:30 p.m.

Information for Graduands

Graduands are required to pay a Convocation Fee of ₦40,000.00 via Remita:

Visit www.remita.net

Select Pay Federal Government

Choose Federal Polytechnic Ayede

Select School Fees

Use “Convocation Fee” as narration

Include Name, Email Address, and Phone Number

Collection of Academic Gowns and Invitation Cards

Upon presentation of payment evidence, graduands are to collect their academic gowns and invitation cards from their respective school offices between Monday, 2nd and Monday, 9th February, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Return of Academic Gowns

All gowns must be returned on or before Monday, 17th February, 2026. A surcharge of ₦1,000 per day applies for late return.

This maiden convocation stands as a proud milestone in the story of Federal Polytechnic Ayede—an institution steadily carving a niche in Nigeria’s educational landscape through innovation, discipline, and excellence.

Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, has recorded a significant global academic milestone as one of its senior scholars, Dr. Mufutau Akanmu Popoola, represented the institution at the 9th World Islamic Economics & Finance Conference (WIEFC 2026) held at Minhaj University, Lahore, Pakistan—a prestigious international forum on sustainability, finance, and socioeconomic inclusion.

The globally acclaimed conference, themed “Sustainability, Climate & Socioeconomic Inclusion,” convened leading scholars, economists, and policy experts from across continents to deliberate on sustainability-driven Islamic finance, climate risk management, ESG screening, artificial intelligence applications, micro-takaful, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.

Dr. Popoola presented a scholarly paper during Technical Session II, sharing the stage with renowned academics from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Pakistan, and Nigeria. His participation earned him a Certificate of Appreciation from the conference Organising Committee, presented by the leadership of Minhaj University Lahore, in recognition of his intellectual contribution to global discourse.

The session was chaired by Dr. Zaheer Anwer of Sunway University, Malaysia, while keynote addresses were delivered by Dr. Muhamed Zulkhibri Abdul Majid, Senior Economist at the Islamic Development Bank, Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Mohd Fauzi Abu-Hussin of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

Speaking at the conference, Dr. Popoola expressed profound appreciation to the leadership of Federal Polytechnic Ayede and the Federal Government for creating an enabling environment for academic excellence.

“I sincerely appreciate the Pioneer Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede for his visionary leadership and relentless support for staff development and global academic exposure. I also thank the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for making this international participation possible,” he said.

He specifically acknowledged the management of TETFund for its continued investment in research, capacity building, and international visibility of Nigerian tertiary institutions.

In his reaction, the Pioneer Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE), described the international recognition as a proud moment for the institution and a validation of its academic trajectory.

“This achievement reflects our commitment to
building a globally competitive institution. I appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu, for his steadfast commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s education sector,” the Rector stated.

He also commended the leadership of the education sector and TETFund for prioritising human capital development.

“I equally commend the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono of TETFund for their continuous support for academic research, innovation, and international engagement. These interventions are repositioning Nigerian institutions for global relevance,” he added.

At the conclusion of the technical session, appreciation shields were formally presented to session chairs, discussants, and presenters—further reinforcing the high scholarly standards of the engagement.

The participation of Federal Polytechnic Ayede at WIEFC 2026 underscores the institution’s rising profile as a hub for research excellence, global collaboration, and policy-relevant scholarship, under the strategic leadership of its Pioneer Rector.

As the institution continues its steady ascent, this international outing stands as a testament to the impact of purposeful leadership, effective government support, and TETFund’s transformative role in advancing Nigerian higher education on the world stage.

Hallmark University, Ijebu-Itele, Ogun State, is set to reaffirm its position as a hub of cutting-edge scholarship and thought leadership as the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences hosts the first edition of its 2026 Public Lecture Series on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

The public lecture, scheduled for 11:00am at the School Auditorium, will focus on a highly topical and policy-relevant theme:
“Does Human Capital Mediate the Relationship between Sustainability Initiative and Firm Performance of Medium-Sized Companies in Nigeria?”
The lecture will also be accessible virtually via Google Meet, underscoring the university’s commitment to inclusivity and global academic engagement.

At the heart of this landmark academic event is the visionary leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Segun Odunola, who will serve as the Chief Host. Under his dynamic stewardship, Hallmark University has continued to strengthen its academic relevance, promote impactful research, and foster meaningful dialogue between the university community, industry, and society. The 2026 Public Lecture Series is another testament to his resolve to position Hallmark University as a centre of excellence that responds to national and global development challenges.

The lecture will be delivered by Dr. Samuel Adedeji, Director of Academic Planning (DAP), Hallmark University, a respected scholar whose work bridges management theory, sustainability, and organizational performance. His presentation is expected to generate deep insights into how human capital development can enhance the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives among Nigeria’s medium-sized enterprises.

The session will be moderated by Professor Obatunde Bright Adetola of the Department of Sociology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. A seasoned academic and public intellectual, Professor Adetola’s moderation promises a robust, engaging, and intellectually stimulating discourse.

By convening academics, industry practitioners, policymakers, and students around this critical subject, Hallmark University once again demonstrates its commitment to research-driven solutions and national development. The Public Lecture Series aligns with the university’s broader mission of producing graduates and knowledge that are relevant, innovative, and socially responsive.

Members of the university community, scholars from other institutions, business leaders, and the general public are warmly invited to participate in this landmark event, either physically or virtually.

With initiatives such as this, Hallmark University—under the purposeful leadership of Professor Segun Odunola—continues to set the agenda for impactful scholarship, sustainability discourse, and academic excellence in Nigeria and beyond.

Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, has continued to record remarkable strides in institutional growth and academic advancement under the visionary leadership of its Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE), barely five years after its establishment in 2021.

Speaking on the journey so far, the Rector described the institution’s progress as a testament to purposeful leadership, divine grace, and strong community support. He highlighted visible achievements in infrastructure development, both at the permanent and temporary sites, noting that the emerging structures reflect the institution’s steady march towards permanence and stability.

Beyond physical development, Engr. Dr. Abdul-Hameed emphasized significant gains in human capital development, revealing that many staff members are currently pursuing Master’s and PhD programmes, while others actively participate in conferences, workshops, and professional trainings, thereby strengthening academic delivery and institutional capacity.

While acknowledging progress, the Rector identified the access road to the permanent site as a major challenge, calling on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, local authorities, and well-meaning Nigerians to urgently intervene. He commended ongoing efforts by various tiers of government and expressed profound appreciation to His Imperial Majesty, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Ọba Ghandy Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, for his consistent royal support and fatherly role in uplifting the institution.

Engr. Dr. Abdul-Hameed also lauded the overwhelming backing from indigenes, groups, associations, and stakeholders across Ogbomosoland, describing their contributions—especially in classroom construction, facilities, and logistics—as invaluable to the Polytechnic’s survival and growth.

Reaffirming the institution’s core mandate, the Rector assured that entrepreneurship and skills acquisition remain central to the Polytechnic’s philosophy. “No student will pass through Federal Polytechnic Ayede without acquiring practical, employable skills,” he declared, noting the impressive performance of students in hands-on and entrepreneurial ventures.

Special recognition was given to Ogbomoso First Group (O’First) for providing facilities used for skills training, benefiting both students and members of the wider community. He also recalled the pioneering support of the Ogbomoso Consultative Council (OCC), whose early interventions laid a strong foundation for sustained community partnership.

As the institution steps into 2026, the Rector called for increased collaboration in the form of laboratory equipment, teaching aids, and infrastructural support, assuring stakeholders that their investments would translate into quality education and societal impact.

He concluded by extending New Year goodwill messages on behalf of the Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Yakubu Dati (FNIPR), Council members, Management, Staff, and Students, praying for greater achievements and shared prosperity in the year ahead.

With purposeful leadership, community solidarity, and a clear developmental vision, Federal Polytechnic Ayede continues to emerge as a growing hub of technical education, innovation, and opportunity in Oyo State and beyond.

In a strategic move to deepen skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development, the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, has undertaken an understudy visit to the Skills Development Centre of The Federal Polytechnic Offa. The visit, which took place on Monday, 12 January 2026, underscores the Ayede institution’s commitment to building a robust, sustainable, and nationally compliant skills development framework.

The delegation was led by Mr. Owojori Oluwaseun Christopher, Acting Director, Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (CSAED), Federal Polytechnic Ayede, and was warmly received by the management of The Federal Polytechnic Offa. The visit was designed to provide firsthand exposure to best practices in the establishment, operation, and sustainability of a functional skills development centre, in line with Nigeria’s national skills policies.

During a comprehensive tour of the Skills Development Centre, the Coordinator, Engr. Tech. Alabi Abdullateef, guided the Ayede delegation through the centre’s operational structure. He explained the processes involved in infrastructure development, programme design, and delivery, as well as the centre’s alignment with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), National Skills Qualification (NSQ), and Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ). The session offered practical insights into training modules and quality assurance mechanisms that drive effective Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Owojori commended the management of The Federal Polytechnic Offa and the Skills Development Centre for their remarkable achievements. He described the institution as a trailblazer in TVET and skills acquisition, noting that its consistent emphasis on practical, industry-relevant training has earned it national recognition. He assured the host institution that lessons drawn from the visit would be diligently implemented at Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s CSAED to strengthen capacity building, entrepreneurship development, and community service delivery.

The understudy visit followed a formal request by the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE), whose visionary leadership continues to prioritize innovation, skills development, and strategic partnerships. The Rector had earlier commended the Rector of The Federal Polytechnic Offa, Engr. Dr. Kamoru Oluwatoyin Kadiri, and his management team for their outstanding performance in skills development and effective implementation of national vocational training frameworks.

Operating under the motto “Skills, Knowledge and Industry,” The Federal Polytechnic Offa continues to attract partnerships and understudy visits from institutions across the country. For Federal Polytechnic Ayede, the engagement marks another significant step under the proactive leadership of Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE), reinforcing the institution’s resolve to produce skilled, entrepreneurial graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.