KwaraPoly has resuscitated IJMB programmes – Rector
Emmanuel Akinpelu
The Rector of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Kwara State, Dr Abdul Jimoh Muhammed, has said that the institution had resuscitated its Interim Joint Admission Board (IJMB) Advanced level and Ordinary Level programmes.
He also stated that it has adopted a new policy of issuing certificates to all its successful graduates immediately after the completion of their programmes.
He spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital during the 50th anniversary of the institution and its Alumni Association; with the theme:’Riasing the bar for greatness and excellence.’
The anniversary featured a novelty football match, a road show, a movie premier by the Mass Communication Department of the institution, a 50th anniversary day celebration, a foundation laying of the Alumni secretariat/village, fundraising and awards.
According to him, KwaraPoly has made other laudable achievements.
Muhammed said, “In continuation of the Management efforts to restore the lost glory of the institution, the Management also resuscitated the Interim Joint Admission Board (IJMB) Advanced level and Ordinary Level programmes which had been stopped for more than a decade. We are also making efforts to resuscitate the Diploma program in Law in affiliation with the University of Ilorin.
“The Institution has adopted a new policy of issuing certificates to all its successful graduates immediately after the completion of their programmes. This has made it easy for the Polytechnic to timely and promptly mobilise its HND graduands for the National Youth Service Corps.
“The Management had also obtained Kwara Poly Radio (Kwarapoly FM) Frequency License from National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), although the license was a temporary one which had lapsed after four months. We are optimistic that the station will be back on air soon as necessary arrangements have been put in place for the acquisition of a permanent license despite the man-made challenges.
“To make teaching/learning conducive for the students, the Management also embarked on a total renovation of all the Polytechnic abandoned hostels and allocated them for the usage of students. Amenities such as 24-hour internet connectivity, solar-powered water borehole, solar street lights etc were also provided. The Management also got the nod of the state government to complete the hostels abandoned 20 years ago through the intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).
“Determined to expose students to practical experience, the Management embarked on reviving many machines which had been down for years. These include the power guillotine which has been down since 2014; the rolling machine, which worked last in 2010; the 1000KVA generator which has been down since 2016 and washer making machine which has been down for more than 10 years.”
The guest speaker, Otunba Olusola Adekanola, spoke on Post retirement lifestyle and investment options; being the supplement for alumni associations to raise the bar for greatness and excellence.
He said, “The best way to internalize the lessons of greatness is to teach them to others. Teaching does four things for you: you learn better when you teach; teaching increases the chances that you would practice what you preach; it helps relationships; and ultimately makes you a more progressive person.”
The Protem President, Kwara State Polytechnic Worldwide Alumni Association, Engineer Abu Salami, urged alumni of different educational institutions in Nigeria to support their alma mater.
He stated that it is necessary for them to give back to the institutions that trained them, adding that without such training, it may not have been possible for them to have reached their great status and attainments.
He said, “I am delighted to share with you some of the recent achievements of the Kwara State Polytechnic Worldwide Alumni Association since our inauguration in September 2022. Over the last few months, we have made significant strides in the growth and development of our association. We successfully registered our association with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), which has given us legal recognition as a formal entity. This milestone has opened up new opportunities for us to engage with the Polytechnic and the wider community and we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
“I am also excited to announce the official launch of the Polytechnic Band sponsored by the Alumni Association to serve as the official bank for all Polytechnic events. We believed that the establishment and support of this talented group of students would add vibrancy and excitement to all Polytechnic activities.
“As Alumni, we have a responsibility to preserve and enhance the reputation of our alma mater. We must continue to support the institution through various initiatives, such as mentorship programmes, scholarships and donations to help the Polytechnic maintain its position as a leading institution in technical education.
“We must also remember the value of networking and collaboration amongst ourselves as Alumni, as we continue to build relationships with each other and the Polytechnic and use our collective expertise to promote the growth and success of our alma mater.”
