By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

• produces 247 Distinction graduates

The Rector, Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese-Ijebu, Dr. Yinka Akinbo, on Monday disclosed that the Polytechnic has secured accreditation for eleven new programmes by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) at the National Diploma level.

Dr. Akinbo, who disclosed this while addressing newsmen at a press conference, heralding the 3rd combined Convocation ceremony of the institution, scheduled to take place on Thursday, said another five programmes were re-accredited.

The Rector said a total of 5,551 students will be graduating during convocation scheduled for Thursday out of which 247 finished with Distinction.

“Breakdown of the graduands which covered three academic sessions of 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 showed that 1,504 of the graduands made Upper Credit, 2,466 had Lower Credit while 1,334 finished with Pass”.

Dr Akinbo added that “for 2021/2022 academic year, Famoyewa Aminat with a CGPA of 3.75 from Dental Technology emerged overall best while Rasak Temilola with CGPA of 3.68 from Health Information Management was the overall best for the 2022/2023 session”.

“Similarly, Salami Kanyinsola with CGPA of 3.94 from Environmental Health Technology is the overall best graduating student for 2023/2024 academic year and the overall best for the 3rd combined convocation”.

The Rector declared that the convocation is unique being the first to be held since the institution was upgraded to a polytechnic in 2023.

“As part of efforts to maintain quality education, the management with the support of the Governing Council ensured the accreditation and re-accreditation of all our programmes at HND, ND, and Technician levels by both the NBTE and relevant Professional Bodies. Infact, eleven new programmes were just accredited, while five programmes re-accredited”.

The Rector revealed that the polytechnic has also successfully facilitated affiliations with Kwara State University and Federal University of Technology, Owerri to run some degrees in science programmes.

Akinbo listed the achievements of the institution to include payment of new minimum wage to its staff, completion of community health building, furnishing of its Auditorium with 250-capacity lecture seats to enhance conducive learning space among others.

“Also, the management with the support of the Governing Council has successfully design and implement the institution’s Master Plan and Academic Brief. This comprehensive framework serves as the foundation for our future growth”.

Akinbo added that highlights of the convocation include commissioning of landmark projects in the school by Governor Dapo Abiodun as well as conferment of the polytechnic Fellowship Awards on Dr Taiwo Afolabi, the Chairman of Sifax Group as well as another entrepreneur and philanthropist, Chief Olufemi Okenla for their invaluable support and contribution to the development of the education sector in the country.

The polytechnic also plans free medical services for over 1000 residents of Ijebu Ilese community while Prof Deborah Esan.

The Convocation lecture titled “Training for Global Consumption and the Nationalistic Ideas: The cost of Producing Graduates for Improved Service Delivery and National Development” is will be delivered by Prof (Mrs) Deborah Esan, a Professor of Nursing in Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State.

The Rector has however requested the state government to upgrade its subvention so that it can use its internally generated revenue to further develop the school.

He listed some of the needs of the school to include good roads, standard medical centre with world-class laboratories, functional ambulance, more lecture theatres and hostels among others to enhance the rapid development of the polytechnic.