30th Matriculation Ceremony: FEDPOFFA Rector Rolls Out  Achievements In One Year, Charges Students to Shun Social Vices

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin has rolled out his developmental strides for the past one year of taking over from his predecessor as the 5th substantive Rector of the Polytechnic.

The Rector itemized his giant strides and achievements  during his address at the 30th matriculation ceremony of the institution held on Wednesday 24th of April 2024.

According to him, ” Confidently, I can say with all sense of humbleness and modesty that with the help of God Almighty, I and my team have worked so hard within the last 12 months to reposition and transform this polytechnic. With the support of the stakeholders, we have also resolved to continue to provide that much-needed enabling environment for all staff and students to actualise their dreams.

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

“Other achievements are the establishment of the Skills Development Centre; construction of workshop bakery, classroom, and offices for the department of Food Science Technology under TETFUND intervention; construction and furnishing of  Laboratory building for the School of Engineering Technology under TETFUND Normal Intervention 2023; renovation of 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 1.2km 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, I Pad, coloured and black and white printers.

On the production of basic commodities, the Rector said, “For the first time in the annals of this great institution, we also established and commenced commercial production of Fedpoffa sachet water and bottled water in the pipeline. 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.

On industrial collaborations and research, he stated, “…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/Czech 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, Fedpoffa 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 in this institution.

Speaking on staff welfare and development, Dr. Kadiri said, “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 the Polytechnic retirees.

In the areas of campus beautification and transformation of its aesthetic value, he said, “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.

On skills development and vocational training, he stated, ” In line with the Federal Government’s skill acquisition and employment creation policies, my 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 certificated in diverse areas of trade and artistry.

On sporting activities and events, he said,  “I am glad to inform you that just few weeks ago, this administration made another history by winning the hosting right for the next 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 a clear reflection 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 fulfill your dreams.”

While congratulating the newly admitted students for gaining admission into the Federal Polytechnic Offa, the Rector reiterated the Polytechnic’s zero tolerance for social vices such as cultism, hooliganism, indecent dressing, cybercrime (Yahoo Yahoo) and charged all categories of students to be focused, diligent and determined to maximize the opportunities provided by the institution.

“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,” he added.