Convocation Ceremony Becomes Platform for Major Educational Endowment and Policy Announcements
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, Dec. 19, 2025 (NAN) – The 2025 convocation ceremony of The Polytechnic Ibadan (TPI) transcended the typical graduation event, transforming into a significant moment for educational philanthropy and institutional development. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, made a landmark donation of N6 million to the overall best graduating student, Kemisola Yussuf of the Microbiology Department.
This act of royal patronage extends beyond a single gift. While being conferred with the Fellowship of the polytechnic—an honor also bestowed on Dr. Ahmed Raji and Dr. Olajide Babatunde—Oba Ogunwusi demonstrated a holistic approach to supporting education. He allocated ₦1.5 million each to the best graduating students from every faculty, ensuring excellence across disciplines was rewarded. Furthermore, he announced an annual innovation award and immediately gifted N2 million each to two lecturers for outstanding technological innovation, directly incentivizing research and development within the institution.
“The foundation is very critical in anything you do,” the Ooni stated, highlighting the symbolic importance of his connection to the polytechnic system. “It is a joy to reconnect with my foundation despite having other degrees.” This sentiment underscores a growing recognition of the vital role Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays in national development, a sector where polytechnics are crucial.
The ceremony also served as a platform for significant policy updates. The institution’s Visitor and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, represented by Deputy Chief Adebayo Lawal, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment. “Education has been at the front burner of this administration, hence the large allocation given to it in the budget estimate, which is about 17 to 21 per cent of the budget,” he said. This commitment was tangibly evidenced by the conversion of ad-hoc staff to full-time positions to address manpower shortages—a move aimed at improving job security and educational quality.
Professor Moshood Nassar, Chairman of the Governing Council, noted that the council’s inauguration six months prior had strengthened industrial harmony, leading to higher productivity. He also urged the 4,993 graduands (comprising 1,514 National Diploma and 2,879 Higher National Diploma students) to leverage the alumni network for career opportunities.
Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, the Rector, outlined the institution’s academic expansion, with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) approving new programmes including ND in Food Science & Technology, Transport Planning & Management, and Crime Management, as well as new HND options. These programmes are strategically designed to meet contemporary societal and industrial needs.
Valedictorian Kemisola Yussuf, on behalf of her colleagues, expressed gratitude and framed the day not as an end, but a beginning. “See the present moment as the beginning of greater exploits,” she enjoined, capturing the forward-looking spirit of the event—a spirit fueled by royal generosity, governmental support, and institutional growth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IBK/BAB/MAS
Edited by Mohammed Baba Busu and Moses Solanke
