Startrend International Magazine For Your Latest News And Entertainment Gists
…Embraces Technology, Discipline For Academic Success
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Dr. Mukhail Akinde, has announced the establishment of the Entrepreneurship Development and Skill Acquisition Centre (EDASAC) in alignment with Nigeria’s 2050 agenda for innovation and enterprise.
Akinde who disclosed this during the 2024 Matriculation ceremony held at the institution’s grounds on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, emphasized the center’s focus on unleashing the potential of young people through skill acquisition in various fields including welding, automotive, website design, catering services, and more.
He explained that “Consequently, I am happy to pronounce from our records extracted on April 16, 2024, that 8,731 candidates through the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) sought admission for Full-Time National Diploma in 58 programmes. Out of this number, only 3,972 candidates (45.49%) got National Diploma Admission into the programmes from JAMB and 4,759 candidates (54.51%) were unsuccessful.”
He stated that from the 3,972 candidates that got the JAMB admission, 3,658 (92.09%) accepted the offer, 3,172 (86.71%) candidates had completed the registration exercise, from those who accepted the institution’s offer, 486 (13.29%) candidates are not FPI students as at Wednesday, April 17, 2024 because they did not complete their registration to obtain students’ identity cards.
In the Higher National Diploma category, the Rector disclosed that 3,633 candidates applied, while 3,493 candidates (96.15%) were successful, and 140 (3.85%) candidates were unsuccessful. Out of the 3,493 successful candidates, 3,132 (89.67%) accepted our offer and 361(10.33%) did not accept our admission offer.
“Out of the 3,132 candidates who accepted our admission offer, 2,661 (84.96%) candidates had fully registered and 472(15.04%) candidates had not registered, therefore, they are not our students.
“In the School of Part-Time Studies (SPS), across the fifteen ND programmes, 3,994 candidates applied, 3,946 (98.80%) were successful and 48 (1.20%) were unsuccessful. Out of the 3,946 successful candidates in the 15 Part-Time Programmes, 3,551(89.99%) accepted the offer and 395 (10.01%) did not accept the admission offer.
“From the 3,551 candidates that accepted the offer, 2,721(76.63%) candidates had completed registrations and 830 (23.37%) candidates did not complete the registration, consequently, they are not our students.
“In the four (4) National Diploma ODfel Programmes, 24 candidates applied, and the admitted candidates were 100%. 16 (66.67%) candidates accepted and 8(33.33%) candidates failed to accept the admission. Out of the 16 candidates that accepted the admission, only 6(37.5%) candidates had completed registrations and 10(62.5%) candidates failed to complete registration as at the date of this matriculation.
“In the four (4) Higher National Diploma ODfel Programmes, 19 candidates applied and the admitted candidates were 100%. 12 (63.16%) candidates accepted and 7(36.84%) candidates failed to accept the admission. Out of the 12 candidates that accepted the admission, only 7(58.33%) candidates had completed registrations and 5(41.67%) candidates failed to complete registration as at the date of this matriculation”, Dr. Akinde posited.
He highlighted the compulsory nature of choosing a vocational skill for all students, adding that the Polytechnic takes pride in being the first in Nigeria to establish a certified Driving School, catering to the proficiency needs of students requiring driving skills for their courses.
In addition to EDASAC, the institution has also set up an Innovation Centre aimed at nurturing students’ capacity in programming, drone manufacturing, and equipment production. Notably, students have already demonstrated their capabilities by creating biometric devices for classroom attendance and examinations, as well as electric tricycles equipped with advanced features like batteries and solar systems.
Akinde revealed ongoing efforts to capture biometric information of students and staff, with plans to deploy biometric devices and automate various processes including transportation on campus, lecture timetables, and examination arrangements, aligning with the Polytechnic’s smart institution policy.
The Rector outlined the institution’s commitment to leveraging technology and fostering discipline among students. With plans to implement electronic exam notifications and enhanced monitoring of student activities on and off-campus, saying that FPI aims to uphold global standards of education in a post-COVID-19 era.
He emphasized the importance of utilizing e-learning platforms to enhance digital competitiveness and urged students to avoid engaging in unwholesome activities, adding that despite challenges, such as the cost of diesel, the management ensures continuous electricity supply to ICT and Innovation Centers.
Akinde stressed the significance of discipline, highlighting the institution’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct. Acts like cultism, fraud, drug abuse, and indecent behavior are strictly prohibited, with severe consequences including expulsion.
He also addressed the role of social media, advising students to use it responsibly.
His words, “Our Medical Centre is now empowered to conduct random drug tests, with expulsion as the maximum penalty for offenders.
“The institution also encourages student associations but strictly prohibits antisocial groups, particularly cults.”
Akinde announced the commencement of the Work-Study Scheme to assist financially challenged students and integrate them into the institution’s development process.
He emphasized the institution’s aims to recognize academic excellence through improved awards for Best Graduating Students, reinforcing its commitment to rewarding outstanding performance.
Dr. Akinde reiterated FPI’s commitment to utilizing technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
He emphasized the importance of student attendance and announced plans to reintroduce awards for outstanding lecturers, researchers, and staff members, leveraging biometric devices for fair evaluation.
In addition to academic support, Akinde pledged to provide opportunities for staff development through sponsorships for advanced degrees and conferences.
He also highlighted the institution’s strong relationship with the host community, urging students to maintain peaceful coexistence.
Expressing gratitude to various stakeholders, including the Federal Government, TETFund, supervisory bodies, and JAMB, Akinde acknowledged their support in advancing FPI’s mission.
He also thanked parents for their trust and emphasized the institution’s dedication to moral and academic excellence.
Akinde also extended appreciation to colleagues, past managements, and unions for their contributions to FPI’s success, reaffirming his commitment to upholding the institution’s values and legacy.
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my immediate predecessor, Arc. Olusegun Aluko, Ph.D., whose leadership provided us with a remarkable head-start in building upon the existing legacies.
“I am equally grateful to the three staff unions, our dedicated members of staff, student union leaders, and our esteemed alumni for their unwavering commitment to the institution’s core values and objectives.
“Their collective efforts have significantly contributed to our standing as one of Nigeria’s premier tertiary institutions.
“I also want to express sincere gratitude to the leadership of our host town, led by HRM Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle MFR, ESV (Asade Agunloye IV), the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, for their continuous support in our development and for fostering peace between the Polytechnic and the community.
“Also, I appreciate the collaboration and support received from various stakeholders including traditional chiefs, political leaders, law enforcement agencies such as the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Area Commander, Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Directorate of State Security (DSS), Civil Service Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Amotekun Corps, Baale of Gbokoto, Gbokotians, Ilaro Polytechnic Community Forum (PICOF), Association of Hoteliers, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, ACOMORON, ROMO, Market Men and Women, Landlords, LandLadies, and the entire community.
“Their support has created a conducive and peaceful environment for the smooth operation of our institution both on and off-campus, contributing to a harmonious living and learning experience in Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State”, Dr. Akinde posited.
to
