Startrend International Magazine For Your Latest News And Entertainment Gists
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED & PETER OLANIYAN
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (FPI), Dr. Mukail Aremu Akinde, FCA, FCTI, has expressed the institution’s gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s unwavering support of technical and vocational education in Nigeria.
Dr. Akinde made this statement on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, during his welcome address at the institution’s 45th Founder’s Day Anniversary and 22nd Convocation Ceremony, held at the School’s Parade Arcade, Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The event featured an insightful lecture on the pressing issue of brain drain and the “Japa Syndrome,” as well as the conferment of Fellowship Awards on distinguished individuals. It brought together eminent guests from various sectors, including government officials, traditional rulers, academia, and industry leaders.
The polytechnic graduated a total of 7,190 students from both the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes – HND Graduates: Male – 1,121; Female – 1,498; Distinction – 148 while ND Graduates: Male – 2,180; Female – 2,397 and Distinction – 205.
The Best Graduating Student for the HND programme was Moses Kehinde Salome from the Department of Office Technology Management, with a CGPA of 3.90, while the Best Graduating Student for the ND programme was Onyemachi Abigail Ezinne from the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, with a CGPA of 3.93.
Dr. Akinde emphasized that the Federal Government’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda has significantly impacted the polytechnic sector. He particularly highlighted the administration’s support in areas such as Introduction of the Students’ Loan Scheme, from which many FPI students have benefited; Exemption of Federal Polytechnics from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Management System (IPPIS) and Retooling and revamping of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Dr. Akinde listed several achievements recorded by the Polytechnic under President Tinubu’s administration, including Construction of the Schools of Agriculture and Art & Design, new ICT 300-seater facility, printing laboratories, and new laboratories; Satellite Television road rehabilitation; New tractors, agricultural implements, and state-of-the-art engineering equipment and Development of an electric tricycle powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), solar panels, and electricity solutions.
The Rector also highlighted several inventions currently being patented, encouraging industries to invest in their mass production. These include Incubator & Hatcher; Kokoro Processing Machine; Shredding Machine; Palm-oil Digester; Juice Extractor and Vulcanizing Machine.
Dr. Akinde proudly announced that at the National Exhibition on Creativity and Innovation in Polytechnics, Monotechnics, and Innovation Enterprise Institutions, held at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, Kubwa, Abuja, on February 11, 2025, the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro emerged as the first-place winner.
He emphasized that the Polytechnic has fabricated numerous machines and equipment that, if adopted by industries, could reduce import dependence and drive Nigeria’s industrialization.
The Rector also acknowledged the contribution of Senator Dr. (Aremo) Olamilekan Adeola Solomon (Yayi), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, in facilitating a Digital Learning Center for the Polytechnic. This initiative, executed through NITDA and contracted to Kaffog Industrial Limited, aims to enhance digital education by providing E-learning services; Internet connectivity; Smartboards; Solar-powered inverters and a generator
Dr. Akinde encouraged the graduating students to embrace hard work and discipline, stating that “work is the antidote to poverty.” He urged them to remain committed to excellence and contribute to national development rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
“My dear graduates, work hard, do not commit crimes; this country is full of opportunities. No country is better than your country of birth. We have to support the President to fix the country and make it better. We are here today because we worked hard, remained disciplined, and stayed focused.”
Dr. Akinde assured the graduates that they have the potential to achieve even greater heights if they remain diligent and committed to their goals.
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabuwo; Chairman of the 12th Governing Council, Alhaji Garba Bilal; representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education and traditional rulers, led by Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle MFR, Asade Agunloye IV, the Olu of Ilaro & Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, and chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas.
Other royal fathers in attendance included Olofin Adimula of Ado-Odo Kingdom, Oba Idris Olusola Adebowale-Osolo; Olota of Ota, Oba (Prof.) Abdur Kabir Oba Lanlege, Ekun II, Arole Iganmode and Oniwoye of Iwoyeland, Oba Buhari Makinde.
A major highlight of the event was a lecture titled “Renewed Hope Agenda: Brain Drain and Japa Syndrome – The Way Forward”, delivered by Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, and represented by Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo.
The lecture examined the economic and social factors driving the mass emigration of Nigerian professionals, highlighting key challenges such as unemployment, underemployment, low wages, economic instability, inflation, insecurity, and lack of social infrastructure.
IGP Egbetokun called for urgent government intervention to create an enabling environment for skilled professionals to thrive in Nigeria, recommending improved wages, better working conditions, enhanced security, and policies that support entrepreneurship and economic stability.
The convocation also featured the conferment of Fellowship Awards on distinguished individuals for their contributions to society. Recipients included Festus Egwarewa Adeniyi Keyamo, CON, SAN, FCIARB (UK) – Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Abiodun Akanbi Duroainmi, FCA, FICACOO, GARIA – Chief Operating Officer, Zenith Bank Ltd., and Alaba Jacob Afolabi, CIA, HND, MBA – Renowned accounting software expert.
The convocation ceremony not only celebrated academic excellence but also addressed critical national issues affecting young professionals in Nigeria. The event reaffirmed the Polytechnic’s commitment to nation-building and the development of a skilled and resilient workforce.
