On the occasion of the 29th Convocation Ceremony at Kwara State Polytechnic, the institution’s Rector, Engr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammed, addressed the media to shed light on the notable progress in infrastructure development and other significant achievements.
This Convocation Ceremony, which marks the academic accomplishments of the 2022/2023 National Diploma and Higher National Diploma graduands, began on Wednesday, November 8th, and is set to conclude on Thursday, November 9th, 2023.
While acknowledging the importance of seeking divine guidance through an inter-denominational prayer session held at the Polytechnic Central Mosque and Chapel, the rector emphasized the significance of the convocation activities, including a Convocation lecture by Engr. Dr. Taofeeq AbdulHameed and the presentation of prizes to outstanding students.
Engr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammed conveyed gratitude to the administration of Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the unwavering support toward education in Kwara State. This support includes the provision of palliatives to junior staff, consisting of one hundred and eighty bags of rice, and free bus rides for students.
He also highlighted a tradition of Infrastructure Generating Revenue (IGR) projects commissioned at each convocation ceremony, showcasing the institution’s commitment to development. Past projects included the renovation of students’ hostels, the Institute of Technology Complex, Kwara Polytechnic Microfinance Bank, and the Ruminant Animal Farm. This year, the Polytechnic is set to commission additional projects, including the 33KV project, renovated old IOT lecture halls, laboratories, workshops, and offices, a 2.5 km reinforced concrete drainage system, and the remodeled Library and Information Science Department.
Of significant note is the ‘Light-Up Kwara Poly’ project that has extended regular power supply from the Polytechnic to various communities and government agencies through the 33KV Harmony feeder. Several institutions, including the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Kwara State Television Authority, and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), now benefit from this initiative.
The renovation of the Institute of Technology Complex, which was awarded in 1990 but had been abandoned due to structural issues, has been successfully completed. The innovative retrofitting solution, recommended by structural engineers, has transformed this building into a functional space with eight large lecture halls, eight laboratories, and forty-seven staff offices.
In addition, the management undertook extensive drainage construction and de-silting to address erosion issues on campus and ensure safety for all road users. The total length of all the constructed drainages within the campus measures 2.533 kilometers, with strategic locations that effectively channel water and protect the institution from the challenges of erosion.
Beautification of the institution was also a focus, with the creation of walkways and the introduction of ornamental flowers to enhance the campus’s aesthetics.
The management’s fight against plagiarism and promotion of ICT led to the introduction of the Centralized Online Research Assessment and Submission System (CORASS) and Digital Project Binding. These digital tools enhance the quality of final year projects, emphasizing authenticity through features like barcodes, plagiarism checks, and student passport authentication.
Moreover, the renovation of the old library, with modern facilities and a Computer-Based Test (CBT) center to JAMB standards, ensures the effective take-off of new courses and a balanced Science/Arts curriculum.
To provide a better working environment for medical staff, a medical lodge was constructed to enhance the efficiency of doctors, especially those on night duty.
However, despite these achievements, Kwara State Polytechnic faces various challenges, including funding limitations that affect operational costs and maintenance.
The illegal occupation of Polytechnic land by unauthorized structures poses a security threat. The Polytechnic seeks the government’s intervention to halt the selling of public properties.
The porous nature of the permanent campus enables neighboring communities and land grabbers to encroach on vast plots of land for private use, hindering security and future expansion. The Polytechnic has invested in security measures and appeals to the government, Alumni Association, and philanthropists to construct a protective fence.
Accreditation of academic programs incurs substantial expenses, and the Polytechnic requires financial support during these processes. Aged structures within the institution necessitate comprehensive renovation and rehabilitation, which is hindered by limited funds.
In closing, the rector expressed appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Ronke Arinde, as well as the teaching and non-teaching staff, students, and the public for their collaboration in the planning and execution of this convocation.