GOOD NEWS: Ayede Poly ramps up efforts to move to permanent site
Yinka ADETUNJI
Barring any unforseen circumstances the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Ogbomoso, Oyo state, will move to its permanent site at Ayede community in Ogo-Oluwa local government area before the end of the year 2023.
This is according to Professor Dakas C. J. Dakas (SAN), Chairman of the Governing Council of the institution.
Prof Dakas made the cheering revelation during a visit to the site Monday (June 5), which was corroborated by the Rector, Engr. Dr Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed.
In a press release by the polytechnic’s public relations officer, Mr. Sunday Adepoju, Prof Dakas speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing construction projects gave assurance of this after seeing the extent and level of works.
He was particularly impressed by the contributions of individuals like Prof Adesola Adepoju immediate past Director General of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), who represents Ayede community in the governing council, for donating an Agro-Forestry Enterprise Centre, while urging others to emulate the gesture.
Dakas also charged the people of Ayede to gear up to ensure provision of accomodations for rent by staff and students.
His said, “Members of the Governing Council are here for the on-the-spot assessment of facilities at the Polytechnic.
“I am particularly excited about the Agro-Forestry Enterprises Centre donated by Prof. Sola Adepoju, the Director-General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), who represents the host community in the council.
“We are thankful to Prof. Adepoju and others. We still urge others to emulate the gestures so that together we can move the Polytechnic forward.”
“We have a large expanse of land here and our students in the Agricultural Departments will enjoy their practical and help in feeding the nation. It will serve as value addition. The community has been very cooperative and we are thankful.”
The polytechnic, established in 2021 by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, along with five others, and currently operating at a temporary site in Iresaapa, Surulere local government area, has admitted its first set of students, the first to accomplish such among its peers, having commenced academic activities with four departments including Science Laboratory Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science and Statistics.
This is a feat that enthuses Prof Dakas as he remarked, “As pioneer council and management, we are up and doing. We are the first Polytechnic, among our peers, that has admitted our first set of students. That gives a sense of commitment on our part and I am sure that the institution will be fundamentally transformed within the shortest period,” adding, “Let me humbly charge the host communities to provide accommodation for staff and students so that the communities will make progress.”
Substantiating the Council Chairman, the Rector, Dr Abdul-Hameed, harped on the resoluteness of the management to move to the permanent site latest by December.
He noted he was amazed at the speed of work towards the goal while expressing appreciation to the governing council, and others whom he said are making immense contributions to the progress of the institution.
Dr Adekunle however expressed concern about the poor access roads and the institution’ intra-road network.
He said, “My sincere appreciation goes to Prof. Dakas C. J. Dakas (SAN) and other members of the council for their maximum supports since inception. Sometimes, when I look at what happens in other sister institutions, I count myself very lucky for having this council. I remember Prof. Dakas spearheaded going to TETFUND to solicit ICT intervention.
“I equally thank other principal officers, staff and students for their supports. I must sincerely say that Prof. Sola Adepoju, a son and prince of Ayede, has contributed tremendously well to the progress of our Polytechnic within the very short period of time.
“We are focusing on September or latest by December this year that we are moving to the permanent site.
“Some structures here are 2022 projects from TETFUND and capital budgets. The 2023 budgetary provision contains seven buildings. So, by the time we get the funds for 2023, by God’s grace, we should be able to move here.
“My major fear is the road network, although we have been working on them. I have been to FERMA, TETFUND, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. In fact, let me thank the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande. He is also championing it with me at TETFUND. So, road network must commence this year. With hope in God that by September or December, we should be at the permanent site.”
Also speaking, Prof. Sola Adepoju, expressed gratitude to the Council for the pressure he noted it exerts on the management, which he praised likewise for rising to the occasion.
Adepoju stressed Ogbomoso community is committed to ensuring the institution thrives disclosing the assistance of the Oyo state government would be solicited in the areas of road construction and other infrastructure.
“I thank our renowned Prof. Dakas C. J. Dakas (SAN). He has continued charging us on how to make the September/December date a reality.
“We have also commended the Rector for his doggedness and untiring pressure on most us for connections on who and who to contact across the country to make the September/December date a reality.
“We, therefore, want the Rector to itemise the needs so that through the leadership of the Ogbomosoland Consultative Council (OCC), we can interface with Governor Seyi Makinde whether in writings, courtesy visits or by using our elected representatives on the Oyo State platform. We are particular about road networks and other facilities to the permanent site from the state,” Prof. Adepoju stated.
The press release listed some of the ongoing projects at the permanent site as well ICT building, Administrative Building 1, Administrative Building 2, Library Building, Electrification; Sick Bay, Main Entrance Gate and Twin Departmental Building.
“Other donations are Two Blocks of Six Classrooms, Exit gate with 130 meter perimeter fence and Administrative block at the temporary site by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and Agro-Forestry Enterprises Centre donated by FRIN,” it added.
Other members of the council at the site were the Representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs C. O. Nwokorie; Dr (Mrs) C. M. Chigbo; Dr Muyi Arowosafe; Mrs. Musilimat Salawu; Hon. Garau Adamu and the Registrar and who is Secretary to the council, Mr Akin Odesola.
