The Nationwide President of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti Alumni Affiliation, Dr Oyedokun Abiodun, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to improve polytechnics within the nation to degree-awarding establishments.
Abiodun additionally referred to as for better consideration and improved funding for polytechnic training, to allow the establishments to totally obtain their mission and contribute extra to nationwide growth.
The alumni president made the decision in Ado Ekiti on Sunday at an occasion organised to honour the previous rector of the establishment, Dr Theresa Akande. On the occasion, the affiliation additionally introduced the communiqué of its inaugural Annual Normal Assembly, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The AGM, hosted by the Rivers State chapter led by Main Ken Ukwu (retd), additionally marked the chapter’s tenth anniversary. The theme was “Alumni Contribution to the Nation’s Improvement as It Strengthens Our Nationwide Unity.”
The affiliation honoured Dr Akande for her vital contributions throughout her tenure as rector, which noticed substantial development and transformation on the establishment. The alumni introduced a cheque of 1 million naira to the previous rector as a token of appreciation for her optimistic influence on the varsity, workers, and college students.
Dr Abiodun remarked, “She (Akande) believed in us, the merchandise of this nice establishment. Her unwavering religion in our skills led to the employment of many alumni, offering us with alternatives to contribute to the expansion of our alma mater.”
In her response, Dr Akande expressed her gratitude, saying, “To say it was a shock that fully blindsided my kids and me is placing it mildly. By these lovely, selfless gestures of kindness, empathy, and consideration, you could have all sown very vital seeds, the fruits of which you’ll proceed to reap all through your lives, and which your kids and generations but unborn will even profit from within the mercy and goodness of the Most Excessive.”
Within the AGM communiqué, the alumni affiliation acknowledged, “We attraction to President Bola Tinubu to handle points referring to polytechnic training in Nigeria. We urge the president to improve polytechnics to degree-awarding establishments.”
The alumni additionally referred to as on the president to get rid of the dichotomy between Larger Nationwide Diploma (HND) and college diploma holders and reiterated their name for the institution of a Nationwide Polytechnic Fee, much like the separate commissions for universities and faculties of training.
The affiliation additional advocated for the appointment of people with polytechnic training to committees and panels chargeable for formulating insurance policies on polytechnic training in Nigeria.
The establishment’s rector, Dr Temitope Alake, who can be an alumnus, delivered the AGM keynote lecture, emphasising the pivotal position of alumni in driving nationwide growth, fostering financial stability, and strengthening nationwide unity amidst variety.
Alake inspired collaborative efforts amongst alumni to handle challenges similar to management, financial instability, and nationwide disunity whereas itemizing crucial contributions similar to mentoring, advocacy, useful resource mobilisation, and serving as fashions for future generations.