Shittu Abibat|Kingsley Okon
The Polytechnic Ibadan on Thursday held its 40th convocation ceremony at the institution’s 1,000 capacity hall, marking another milestone in its academic history. The event commenced promptly at 11 a.m. with the formal procession of members of the Governing Council, alumni association, management team, administrative staff, and academic faculty.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II; the Rector of the institution, Prof. Moshood Nassar, Chairman, Governing Council Dr Taiwo Abideen Lasisi; Acting Rector, the Deputy Rector, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olaide Salawu; and other notable guests. The Oyo State Governor was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Abdulraheem Adebayo.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Lanre Nassar, expressed appreciation to the council members, the Oyo State Government, and all guests for their support. He highlighted key achievements recorded by the institution in recent years, including successful programme accreditations, improved financial stability, and strengthened networking opportunities for students. He urged the graduands to remain diligent and focused as they pursue their future goals, while also calling on parents to continue supporting their children until they attain stability.
Delivering his address, the Rector, Dr Lasisi, noted that the Polytechnic has made significant progress in addressing cultism and hooliganism, while fostering a cordial relationship among management, staff, and students. He explained that to clear accumulated academic backlogs, the institution conducted two convocations within the 2024/2025 academic year, enabling a total of 4,993 graduands to qualify for the National Youth Service Corps scheme. He commended the state government for the timely payment of staff salaries and appealed for additional infrastructural support to further enhance the institution’s growth.
In a special address, the Ooni of Ife advised the graduands and continuing students to remain focused, believe in their destinies, and always uphold the values and identity shaped by The Polytechnic Ibadan.
The monarch also presented cash awards to the best graduating students across faculties, as well as the overall best graduating student. Some lecturers were similarly honoured for outstanding academic performance during the session.
The 40th convocation ceremony reaffirmed The Polytechnic Ibadan’s commitment to academic excellence and its role in producing skilled graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.