Premier tertiary institution in Ilorin, the Kwara State Polytechnic on Thursday flagged off its golden jubilee celebration after clocking 50 years since its establishment, listing the school’s achievements while its Alumni Association begins the first phase of building its Alumni Village.

They also praised the many visitors and founding fathers of the school who have contributed immensely to its growth over the years.

“The institution has continued to grow in all ramifications,” explained Eng. Dr Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, the polytechnic rector on Thursday at the Mohammed Alabi Lawal Auditorium, Kwara Poly campus, Ilorin.

“Kwara Poly has been known for provision of top notch science, technology education, basic facilities and equipment, maintenance of security and peace.

“With a particular reference to academic activities, the institution has maintained its position as one of the top 10 polytechnics in Nigeria, in terms of patronage by admission seekers.

“Partly responsible for these is the regular academic calendar, the institution has maintained over the years.

“The institution has 56 accredited programs in all, which 31 for ND and 25 for HND,” Dr Jimoh said.

Also speaking on the occasion, Engr. Abu Salami, Pro Tem President, Kwara State Polytechnic Worldwide Alumni Association, said that the association will embark on building its Alumini Village with ground breaking ceremony scheduled for the same day.

“The first phase will cost us N29 million.

“When completed, it is going to be a standard guest house with 28 to 30 rooms, common area offices, a conference room that can contain 150 persons,” he said.

Abu Salami is a trained Mechanical Engineer and an Alumnus of the Polytechnic, 40 years ago.

He retired from Exxon Mobil as manager in charge of Global Real Estates and Facilities,

“I was also in charge of Europe, Asia and the Middle east,” he said.

On why the Alumni is embarking on the project, he said: “If you go to any standard higher institution in Nigeria, you always have the need for decent accommodation for guests like the ones we have for this anniversary.

“If we have our own Alumni villages where we have our own guest houses and other facilities, there will be no fuss.

“If you go to the University of Ibadan, that is where sleep whenever i go there for anything,” he added.

Speaking, a representative capacity, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak explained that government cannot do it all alone in funding and equipping schools like the Polytechnic.

“You will always need the alumni to help out,” he said through Bode Towoju, Commissioner for Youth Development.

The event was graced by a former rector of the polytechnic, Dr Yahaya Abdulkareem Babaita