Ogun Commissioner Says Administration Will Continue To Give Education Priority, Describes FPI A Vibrant Institution

ILARO-YEWA – Ogun State Commissioner For Education, Science And Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu has said the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun will continue to give education the priority that it deserved and remain committed to providing qualitative education in the state at all levels.

Arigbabu stated this on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at the 20^th Convocation Ceremony for the award of Higher National Diplomas, National Diplomas, Professional Certificates And Presentation Of Prizes from 2019/2020 & 2020/2021 academic session and Award of Honours at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, held at the Convocation Pavilion, East Campus, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State.

He said, “The most outstanding of the achievements and the present administration at both the Federal and State levels is the recognition of education as the most viable, potent tool and catalyst for an all round development. This, as a cardinal focus, has greatly influenced the reform agenda which has brought to fore an unprecedented development in the educational system.”

Prof. Arigbabu advises the graduands and undergraduates that “the right type of behaviors that people regard as the benchmark for measuring civility must be maintained at all times.

“You are enjoined to ahbor all scholastic aberrations such as cultism, prostitution, gangsterism, drugs, examination malpractice, rape, theft, burglary and other deviant behaviors that are epicenter of most anti-social activities on campuses.

“To our parents and guardians, I am appealing to you not to abandon our children and wards to external effect believing they are old enough or matured. We have a duty to visit them regularly in order to monitor their lifestyles and friends they keep, a stitch in time saves nine.”

The Education Commissioner said, “Let me; therefore, on this auspicious occasion congratulate everyone especially the rector, Governing Council, Management staff and students of this vibrant institution. I rejoice with all the graduates, particularly the honorary degree awardees. There is no doubt that today marks the crowning glory of your hard work and perseverance. It is hoped that you would certainly make the best use of the knowledge you have painstakingly acquired during your stay in the polytechnic.

“The polytechnic is essentially established for the provision of well-rounded educated youngmen and women whose knowledge would be relevant to dealing with the problems of modern society. You must therefore reflect the expectation of the society by being realistic in your search and choice of job. You must also be prepared to be an instrument for the transformation of the society that has resolved to eliminate corruption at all cost. Therefore, strive to be a creator of employment instead of engaging in an endless search for one.

“Your attainment in education is no excuse for bastardization of our tradition. It is imperative that your family, society and the country at large should be the beneficiaries of your study, it is hoped this will form the main basis for your future actions.”

Prof. Arigbabu congratulated the distinguished personalities who were honored on the occasion, saying, “I understand that it is exceptional to be honored as fellows of The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro because of the extremely stringent criteria for selection. This undoubtedly speaks volumes of the credentials of the individuals identified for the honored.

“The host communities are also appreciated for their understanding and strong resolve to appreciate the nuances and peculiar behavior of higher academic environments. The Town and Gown need one another for the improvement of the quality of life of our people and development of our townships. May we never experience a situation where lack of communication will lead to break-down of law and others, (Amen).”

He however expressed his appreciation towards the contribution of the Chairman and members of the Governing Council, the management and the entire staff of the polytechnic towards the development of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.

Prof. Arigbabu concluded that “In closing, the lesson I want us to go home with this crystallised in the words of Denzel Washington who affirmed that “at the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished….., it’s about what you’ve given back”.

“Let us give back to the hands that embraced and nurtured us to maturity. Let us give back a quota to the development of our fatherland and in doing so, we are building a great future for posterity. “Igbega Ipinle Ogun, A jumo se wa ni”