The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has praised the management of the Kwara State Polytechnic for making remarkable strides in infrastructural development, assuring unwavering support for the institution’s endeavors.
Governor AbdulRazaq extended his commendation at the 29th convocation ceremony of the 2022/2023 academic session held at the Rear Admiral Muhammed Alabi Lawal Auditorium in Ilorin, the state capital.
In his representation speech, his Chief of Staff (CoS), Prince Abdulkadir Aliyu Mahe, underscored the imperative of maintaining zero tolerance for cultism and fostering peace within and beyond the polytechnic. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of nurturing creativity.
The governor urged the graduating students to leverage technology, capitalize on the practical training and entrepreneurial skills acquired at the polytechnic, and exhorted them to serve as outstanding ambassadors of the institution.
Delivering remarks at the event, the Kwara State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mrs. Mary Ronke Arinde, lauded the graduands and their parents, urging the students to critically evaluate their growth during their academic journey and prepare to thrive in an intensely competitive world.
“I further urge you to tap from the abundant entrepreneurial skills you have 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 a mono-economy. For you to get ahead in life, you should volunteer to do very sound valuable ventures that no one else cares to do, and do it better for the benefit of all. I also charge you to 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, transparency and shun discrimination along ethnic, religious, cultural, and racial lines, which today are part of Nigeria’s troubling challenges,” she advised.
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Engineer Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, in his welcome address, urged the graduands to be exemplary ambassadors of the institution and responsible citizens of the country.
“You have labored 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 they have become the pride and glory of your parents and guardians. Always remember that the certificates in your possession are very precious; they are confirmations that you have proved yourselves worthy in character and learning,” said the rector.
The rector commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for fostering an enabling environment to facilitate effective discharge of the institution’s duties.
He also highlighted the institution’s achievements and upcoming projects to be commissioned, including electrical projects, renovated facilities, drainage construction, and the remodeled Library and Information Science department. However, he pointed out some challenges such as funding, infrastructure, and illegal occupation of the polytechnic’s land, soliciting the government’s assistance in addressing these issues.
Altogether, a total of 8,500 graduands received National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates, including part-time students.
