In preparation for the 29th convocation ceremony of Kwara State Polytechnic, which is set to take place on November 8th and 9th, 2023, the Rector, Engr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammed shared insights into the institution’s achievements and expressed gratitude for the government’s unwavering support.
According to the Rector, the purpose of this press briefing was to inform the public and the world at large about the latest developments at Kwara State Polytechnic.
He added that the upcoming convocation will celebrate the 2022/2023 National Diploma and Higher National Diploma graduands.
To mark the commencement of this significant event, the Rector said that an inter-denominational prayer was held at the Polytechnic Central Mosque and Chapel, seeking divine guidance for the institution’s activities.
According to the statement, the convocation will include a lecture delivered by Engr. Dr. Taofeeq Abdul Hameed at 2:00 pm on the same day at the Rear Admiral Muhammed Alabi Lawal Auditorium.
The Rector acknowledged the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his commitment to the education sector.
He expressed gratitude for the support given by the government, such as providing rice as palliatives for junior staff and free bus rides for students.
The Rector proceeded to highlight the achievements that have been recorded so far under his administration.
He pointed out that, in previous years, the institution has consistently commissioned income-generating projects, including the renovation of student hostels, the IOT Workshop, the Kwara Polytechnic Microfinance Bank, the Ruminant Animal farm, and the Kwara Poly diagnostic center.
Engr. Abdul Jimoh said that, in the current year, the institution is set to commission several projects, including the 33KV project, renovated old IOT lecture halls, laboratories, workshops, and offices, a 2.5 km reinforced concrete drainage, and the remodeled Library and Information Science Department. Adding that these projects reflect the commitment to infrastructure development.
He expressed that a noteworthy project is the Zango Power Project, which aims to provide a regular power supply not only to the Polytechnic but also to neighboring communities and government agencies.
This initiative, according to the Rector’s statement, will have a substantial impact on over four communities and six government agencies, ensuring uninterrupted power for various institutions.
Additionally, He said that the management embarked on the comprehensive renovation of the Institute of Technology Complex, which had been abandoned for several years. Stating that it is now fully functional, housing lecture halls, laboratories, and staff offices.
The press statement furthered that the institution has also undertaken significant work in drainage construction and de-silting to manage water flow and address erosion challenges on campus. Adding that the total length of constructed drainages within the campus is 2.533 km.
Mentioning another landscape improvements, the Rector boasted that the Centralized Online Research Assessment and Submission System (CORASS), and Digital Project Binding have been introduced to enhance the quality of final year projects and to combat plagiarism among students.
He said that further renovations include the remodeling of an old library to support the introduction of new courses and the construction of a medical lodge in order to enhance the efficiency of doctors at the Polytechnic Medical Centre.
Despite these remarkable achievements, the Rector expressed concerns about the lack of funds to address security issues and the aging structures on campus.
He, thereby, called upon the government, the Alumni Association of the Polytechnic, and philanthropists to contribute to the construction of a perimeter fence around the campus, enhancing security and preventing encroachment.
The Rector also highlighted the significant financial requirements for accreditation and re-accreditation of programs, appealing for government support.
Finally, Engr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammed expressed gratitude to the Commissioner of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Ronke Arinde, and all staff, students, and the public for their cooperation in planning and executing the convocation ceremony.
