Infrastructure Development: Kwara State Governor Commends Polytechnic for Breaking New Ground
Tunde Akanbi, Ilorin.
The Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commended the management of the Kwara State Polytechnic for breaking new ground in infrastructural development, pledging to support the institution’s goals.
Governor AbdulRazaq gave the commendation at the 29th convocation ceremony of the 2022/ 2023 academic session of the institute held at the Rear Admiral Muhammed Alabi Lawal Auditorium in Ilorin, the state capital.
The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff (CoS), Prince Abdulkadir Aliyu Mahe, stressed the need for zero tolerance for cultism and to sustain peace within and outside the polytechnic. He also emphasized the need to be creative.
He urged the graduands to work smart, utilizing the opportunity offered by technology in the institute. He also encouraged them to make use of the practical training and entrepreneurship they acquired in the polytechnic and charged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the polytechnic.
In her remarks at the event, the Kwara State Commissioner For Tertiary Education, Dr. Mrs Mary Ronke Arinde, who commended the graduands as well as their parents and guardians, urged them to assess themselves in the light of the notable learning process that they have successfully undergone, and get ready to soar in a highly competitive world.
“I further urge you to tap from the abundant entrepreneurial skills you have gained in the polytechnic to launch yourelves into self-reliance.
“This will not only be to your advantage, but will go a long way to complement the government’s policies towards taking Nigeria away from mono-economy.
“For you to get ahead in life, you should volunteer to do very sound valuable ventures that no one else cares to do, and do it better for the benefit of all.
“I also charge you to accept responsibilities and shun criminal tendencies; this will make you to stand out among equals and remain appreciated by others.
“You should cultivate the habit of honesty, transparency and shun discrimination along ethnic, religious, cultural and racial lines, which today are part of Nigeria’s troubling challenges,” she advised.
In his address of welcome, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Engineer Addul Jimoh Mohammed, admonished the graduands to be good ambassadors of the institution and responsible citizens of the country.
“You have laboured hard, toiled tirelessly and burnt the candle at both ends, and these have culminated in this joyous event.
“No doubt, your dreams have been fulfilled, and they have become the pride and glory of your parents and guardians.
“Always remember that the certificates in your possession are very precious; they are confirmations that you have proved themselves worthy in character and learning,”said the rector.
The rector commended the State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for creating an enabling environment for the management of the institution to discharge its duties effectively.
He highlighted the achievements of the polytechnic and the projects to be commissioned, which include 33KV projects, renovated old lecture halls, laboratories/workshops and offices, 2.5km reinforced concrete drainage, the remodeled Library and Information Science department, Zango power projects, renovation of IOT complex, construction of drainages, landscaping/construction of walkways, centralized online research assessment and submission system (CORASS)/digital project-binding, and renovation of the old library and medical lodge.
He, however, enumerated some of the challenges confronting the institution to include funding, porosity of the permanent campus, accreditation of programmes, ageing structures, and illegal occupation of the polytechnic’s land. He, therefore, solicited the government’s aid in building a perimeter fence to protect the property.
In all, 8,500 graduands bagged National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates, including part-time students.
