Biodun Esan, Ilorin
The Rector Kwara State Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Addul Jimoh Mohammed has urged graduating students of the Polytechnic to be good ambassadors of the institution and responsible citizens of the country.
Engr Mohammed made the call at the 29th Convocation Ceremony of the 2022/2023 academic session at the Polytechnic Auditorium, Ilorin.
“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 you have become the pride and glory of your parents and guardians.
“Therefore, you must always remember that the certificates in your possession are very precious; they are confirmations that you have proved yourselves worthy in character and learning,” he said.
Muhammed commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for creating an enabling environment for the management of the institution to discharge its duties effectively.
The Rector highlighted the achievements of the Polytechnic and the IGR projects to be commissioned including the 33KV project, and renovation of the old IOT lecture halls, laboratories, workshops, and offices.
The projects also include 2.5 Km reinforced concrete drainage, remodeled library and information science Department, Zango power projects, renovation of IOT complex, and construction of drainages.
He also listed other achievements including landscaping, construction of a walkway, centralized online research assessment and submission system (CORASS)/Digital Project Binding, renovation of the old library, and renovation of a medical lodge.
Muhammed said some of the challenges of the Polytechnic include funding, illegal occupation of polytechnic land, the porosity of the permanent campus, accreditation of programs, and an aging structure.
He called on the government to come to their rescue through a perimeter fence to protect the property.
Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mrs Mary Ronke Arinde commended the graduating students as well as their parents and guardians for the academic success of their children and wards.
She urged the new graduates to look back and 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 urged you to tap from the abundant entrepreneurial skills gained in the polytechnic, to launch yourselves 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.
“In addition, for you to get ahead in life, volunteer to do a very sound valuable venture that no one else cares to do, and do it better for the benefit of all.
“Accept responsibilities and shun criminal tendencies, this will make you stand out among equals and remain appreciated by others.
“You should cultivate the habit of honesty, and transparency and shun discrimination along ethnic, religious, cultural, and racial lines, which today are part of Nigeria’s troubling challenges,” she said.
Governor AbdulRazaq, who was represented by his Chief of Staff (CoS), Prince Abdulkadir Aliyu Mahe commended the management of the Polytechnic for breaking new ground in infrastructural development, saying that the government would continue to support the polytechnic in its goal.
He stressed the need to sustain peace within and outside the polytechnic and have zero tolerance for cultism.
The governor also stressed the need to be creative to be on top of the game
He urged the graduating students to work smart and utilize the opportunity offered by technology, adding that they should use the practical training and entrepreneurship acquired in the polytechnic to rule their world and urged them to be good ambassadors of the polytechnic.
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