The Federal Polytechnic in Offa, Kwara State, has welcomed a total of 9,925 students into various academic programmes for the academic session of 2023–2024, as reported by the Nigerian Tribune.

During the 30th matriculation ceremony held in Offa on Wednesday, Engineer Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, the institution's rector, emphasised a strict stance against vices among students. He urged them to refrain from activities such as prostitution and a fast-paced lifestyle.

The matriculation ceremony marked the official induction of 4,356 students into Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes, 3,049 students into National Diploma (ND) full-time programmes, and 2,520 students into part-time programmes for the academic session of 2023-2024.

Dr. Kadiri congratulated the newly matriculated students and highlighted the institution's rapid growth. He advised them to avoid disobedience, truancy, indecent dressing, and prostitution, while also warning against engagement in cultism, hooliganism, cyberbullying, and other forms of cybercrime.

“Do not engage in cultism and hooliganism, cyberbullying, negative social media usage, or all other forms of cybercrime.”.

My dear matriculating students, one significant tradition in today's ceremony is the oath of allegiance to be made by you. Of course, however, let me quickly remind you that paramount among your responsibilities as our student is your engineer, Dr Kadiri, who charged the students with total adherence to the oath of allegiance and obedience to the rules and regulations of constituted authorities in the institution, saying that the oath conferred on them the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of genuine students of the institution.

He also advised the students to always remain security conscious, saying that the situation in the country today requires everyone to be alert.

“Therefore, always let your friends, colleagues, or roommates know your whereabouts. Avoid night crawling, and do not walk alone in secluded places. If you notice any strange items or people with strange movements, notify the security unit immediately. Should you have any complaints or personal worries, do not hesitate to contact the Directorate of Students Affairs and SERVICOM Unit for counselling and necessary actions.

The rector also said that, together with his team and the support of stakeholders, he had, within the last 12 months, repositioned and transformed the polytechnic.

“Some of these transformational strides that my administration has recorded within these 12 months are the installation of internet Wi-Fi connections both at the mini campus and the permanent site, the establishment of new departments and different units, the expansion of the workforce and the unbundling of schools and departments, and the expansion of fibre optic technology to enhance the internet network on our campuses.

“Other achievements are the establishment of the Skílls Development Centre; construction of workshop bakery, classroom and offices for the Department of Food Science Technology under TETFUND intervention; and the construction and furnishing of Laboratory building for the School of Engineering Technology under TETFUND Normal Intervention 2023: renovation of the ICT building at the mini campus; rehabilitation of internal roads within our mini campus; facilitation of the renovation of Sayomi Library also at the mini campus; and construction of a 1.2 km road project at the permanent site, under Needs Assessment Intervention.

“We have also purchased and installed a calligraphy machine for printing students' certificates. We procured a 5-in-1 wood lathe machine for the Department of Building Technology. We also transformed and repositioned our Public Relations Unit for efficiency by providing the unit with modern ICT gadgets such as audiovisual cameras, an iPad, and coloured and black-and-white printers.

“For the first time in the annals of this great institution, we also established and began commercial production of Fedpoffa table water. Our modern bakery for the commercial production of Fedpoffa Bread will soon commence operation. We have also commenced the process of establishing the FEDPOFFA MICROFINANCE BANK.

“It gladdens my heart to also inform you that within my administration's one year in office, this great institution was also appointed as the only polytechnic for the Nigeria/Zech Republic joint research and development project fund. We are also working in strong collaboration with RMRDC, NOTAP, and Summit University on research and development.

Also, recently, Fedpofa, under my watch, was selected and designated as a CBT examination centre by the West African Examination Council (WAEC). My administration also secured approval from the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) to commence the Open Distance and Flexible E-Learning (ODFEL) Programme at this institution.

“As evidence of our strong priority for staff development and motivation, this administration, with a deep sense of appreciation and reward for the meritorious services of retiring staff, has begun the culture of organising an elaborate send-forth ceremony for all retiring members of staff. For those still in service, we have sponsored over 50 staff members to different conferences, retreats, and workshops. This sponsorship is a continuous programme for staff every month.

“Also, aside from providing quality medical services to staff and students, we have extended free quality medical services to Polytechnic retirees.

“In the areas of campus beatification and transformation of its aesthetic value, we have commenced the relocation of several departments to newly constructed buildings with the necessary logistics. We have also relocated the campus commercial drivers, the street hawkers, and the Business/Internet Cafe centres to different strategic locations.

“Let me also remind you that, in line with the Federal Government's skill acquisition and employment creation policies, the administration has repositioned our Entrepreneurial Development Centre (EDC) for quality training of students in all kinds of small-scale entrepreneurial skills like soap-making, cake-baking, juice-making, fashion designing, computer repairs, phone repairs, auto diagnosis, and many more. In addition, we have also established a skill acquisition and innovation training centre where artisans and members of the public can be trained and certified in diverse areas of trade and artistry.

“Finally, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am glad to inform you that just a few weeks ago, this administration made another history by winning the hosting rights for the 26th edition of the National Polytechnic Games.

“This is an honour that has eluded this institution for the past thirty-two (32) years. Indeed, this record-breaking achievement and all others mentioned above are clear reflections of my administration's dynamic capability, doggedness, and promising future. My dear students, with these humble efforts of my administration, I am sure you are now more than convinced that Fedpoffa is truly growing fast as the best institution where you can grow and fulfil your dreams.

“On this note, I implore you to ensure you do not settle for less. Instead, be focused, diligent, and determined to maximise the opportunities we are providing you in this institution. I pray that the Almighty God will watch over you and make you all a source of pride for your families, states, country, and humanity. Once again, congratulations and welcome to the Federal Polytechnic of Offa.”