86 Students Admitted As FEDPOFFA Begins ODFel Diploma Programme with Maiden Matriculation Ceremony

… future of education lies in distant learning, reassures of commitment towards digitization, automation of processes – Rector, Dr. Kadiri salute Prof. Bugaje’s transformation strides in NBTE

… ODFEL certificate same as regular Polytechnic certificates – Director, Engr. Dr. Ajao

… Polytechnic research leading to marketable inventions should prioritize commercialization over simply being shelved – Director, DAPFACORP, Engr. Kehinde Olufemi

It’s never too late to start a new beginning, there is no perfect time to act on one’s dream, neither is one ever too young or old to follow a path less travelled; this was the story of the 86 pioneer students admitted into various programmes in the Open, Distance, and Flexible e-learning Learning (ODFEL) of the Federal Polytechnic Offa (FEDPOFFA).

On Friday, July 18, at an Inaugural matriculation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session, the FEDPOFFA ODFEL Centre officially welcomed a new class of learners into the Polytechnic community. Being the first in its series, the major event kicked off with students procession, followed by the management committee’s ceremonial march led by the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru into the Stella Obasanjo auditorium where the event was held. From the opening procession to the last note of encouragement, the ceremony blended tradition and innovation, as a hybrid ceremony was accessible both in person and online. This indeed affirmed and mirrored the very essence of the NBTE commitment to democratising access to world-class education with greater flexibility, no matter the distance

With the symbolic donning of his academic gown amid excitement and observance, the Registrar/Secretary to Council, Mr. G.O Soko sets the for the ceremony as he invites the Rector to declare the ceremony open and deliver his welcome address.

Delivering his matriculation address, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, FNSE captured the spirit of the day with heartfelt words. He heartily congratulated the pioneering class who scaled through the application process, describing the event as the commencement of a transformative journey that transcends geographical boundaries and traditional classrooms. “It is with immense pride and profound sense of history,” he emphasized “that I welcome you all to this momentous occasion – the first matriculation ceremony for the Open, Distance, and flexible e-learning (ODFEL). For this current 2024/2025 academic session, we have proudly admitted Eighty-Six (86) candidates into various National Diploma ODFEL programmes. Today marks a truly historic milestone for our esteemed institution. You are not just students; you are the Pioneering Class of transformative initiative that redefines how quality education is delivered. You are trailblazers, embracing an innovative mode of learning that transcends geographical boundaries and traditional classrooms.”

Welcoming the Trailblazers, the Registrar, Mr. G.O Soko, in keeping with academic tradition presented the new intakes to the Rector as the matriculants were asked to rise and have their oath taken, with their voices unified across auditorium seats and digital screens. This was conducted by the Head, Legal Matters, Barr. Esther Faremi, and anchored by the Registrar, signalling the formal admittance of the students into their various academic programmes. The newly admitted students pledged allegiance to academic integrity, excellence and solemnly declared to abide by all the rules and regulations of the Federal Polytechnic Offa. “I hereby resolve to be a disciplined, industrious student, uphold and protect the tenets for which The Federal Polytechnic Offa is established, and to hold myself in honour bound to serve the Polytechnic, my country and humanity diligently. So help me God.

Admonishing the students, the floor was made open for some Deans, Directors and Centre Coordinators to give their goodwill messages, The messages boasted brief comments from Engr. Hassan Jimoh Onawola (Rep. Academic Board); Director, DAPFACORP, Engr. Dr. Kehinde Olufemi; Dean, School of Communication and Media Studies, Dr. David Binta Oloyede; Dean Students’ Affairs, Dr. K.A. Arowomale; SDC Coordinator, Engr. Tech Alabi Abdulateef; and CSC Coordinator, Dr. Mrs. Fatima Taofeek-Ibrahim. The matriculants were warmly encouraged to explore the many innovation touchpoints within the Polytechnic, including the Skills Development Centre (SDC), Career Service Centre (CSC), Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SDC), to name but a few, urging them to seize the opportunity offered by this new phase in their lives to study hard and grow.

After the goodwill messages, the session concluded with Q&A where students had the opportunity to seek clarifications and further guidance as they began to step into the ensuing chapter. While fielding questions from students, Director ODFEL, Engr. Dr. A.O. Ajao urged the students to stay engaged and lean on the supportive structures provided by ODFEL and the Polytechnic at large, ranging from its dedicated academic staff, technical team to help desk and coordinators. Throughout the Q&A session, the Director walked the new students through the core attributes of a successful distance learner, explaining the transformative Power of ODFEL and highlighting its exceptional features of bridging the access to the educational gap.

A notable highlight of the event was the media chat with the Rector, coordinated by the Public Relations Unit and students of Mass-communication led by the Head of Department, Strategic Communication and Media Studies, Dr. Jimoh O. Olorede. In the interview moment, Dr. Kadiri touched on several topical issues, including FEDPOFFA vision, key strategic goals for ODFEL, and how the students can connect with the institution’s long term aspirations. The Rector was largely eloquent, straightforward and sincere in many of his responses, reiterating the Polytechnic’s commitment to revolutionizing education in Nigeria. His answers were a reminder that behind every proposal is a vibrant community, ready to guide, uplift and celebrate each student’s success.

Speaking at separate times with our correspondent, some freshly matriculated students were also interviewed and asked a few questions about the challenges, flexibility and convenience of online distance learning. While some students appreciated the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of online learning, others expressed concerns over social isolation, lack of immediate feedback and the need for continuous access to the internet and electricity.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Registrar, Mr. G.O. Soko, who expressed gratitude to all attendees for their participation. The Rector then declared the matriculation ceremony closed, marking the end of a memorable and inspiring event.

Meanwhile, in our final interview moment, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kadiri has expressed his sincere appreciation to the Executive Secretary of the Board, Professor Idris Bugaje for the establishment of SDC, and for the approval of ODFEL in our Polytechnic. The Rector also thanked the General Manager of the NBTE Centre of Excellence, Mr. Aliyu Hassan who joined the maiden matriculation virtually via zoom. With the formal admittance of new students, flexible and convenient e-learning has now been unearthed in our Polytechnic and the students, present physically and virtually from different walks of life and corners of the nation now share a single destination. A future shaped by integrity, innovation, and the unshakable belief that knowledge when pursued with heart can change the world. To every new ODFEL student: welcome to FEDPOFFA where your future is already unfolding!