“The news regarding upgrading of polytechnics in Nigeria to degree-awarding institutions is a profound testament to the recognition of our sector as the bedrock of technological advancement”
By John Odunayo
Ahead of the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti Alumni Association (FEDPAAA) holding in Asaba, the Delta State capital, on Saturday, February 21, members held an emotion-laden pre-AGM meeting on Sunday night.
The theme of the forthcoming 3rd AGM is ‘From classrooms to circular economy: Advancing human capital development through polytechnic and alumni synergy”.
While attendees at the zoom meeting took turns to appreciate the laudable achievements of the alumni body’s outgoing National President Dr Oyedokun Abiodun, and his team, the call on President Bola Tinubu for full implementation of degree-awarding status for polytechnics in the country, took the centre stage.
Abiodun also said that the alumni had the great expectation that Tinubu “is the visionary leader that God will use to permanently erase the Higher National Diploma/Bachelor degree dichotomy in Nigeria”.
The outgoing FEDPAAA national president said, “We look forward with great expectations to President Tinubu to fully implement the degree-awarding status for polytechnics.
“When the milestones of degree-awarding status and HND/BSc dichotomy are reached, history will be created and made by our amiable President (Tinubu). He will be remembered for restoring the dignity of technological education and creating a level playing field for all Nigerian graduates”.
Abiodun appreciated the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for his renewed focus on the polytechnic sector, saying, “The news regarding the upgrading of polytechnics in Nigeria to degree-awarding institutions is a profound testament to the recognition of our sector as the bedrock of technological advancement”.
He charged members of the association to continue to live with “love as our compass, always seeing one another as family and allowing love lead your deliberations and interactions”.
He said, “Our primary focus must remain the development of Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti and the welfare of our members. We must keep our colorful flag flying high. I urge you to mentor our current students, encouraging them to refrain from any actions that could diminish the hard-earned reputation of our great institution”.
The outgoing national president lauded the institution’s management led by the Rector, Dr Temitope Alake and the alumni members for support which enabled his administration record landmark achievements in members’ welfare and development, infrastructures development, support to the institution and students and as well other corporate social responsibilities.
Abiodun said, “To our members, chapters and friends who have stepped forward with financial support for this upcoming AGM, your generosity is the fuel for our success. Together, we have built a robust and resilient alumni structure that will serve as a solid foundation for future administrations”.
FEDPAA National Vice President and National Organising Committee Chairman, Moses Bominuru, lauded the president, executive council members and the alumni for contributions that shaped the association’s growth.
Bominuru, who would be leaving office having served in the capacity for three AGMs, told FEDPAAA members, “The successes we have achieved are a testament to your dedication and teamwork. I’ll always be committed to our association’s progress. I’m excited for what’s next and look forward to a stronger relationship in the future”.
Also, the chairmen of FEDPAAA state chapters in attendance – Major Ken Ukwu (retd) (Rivers), Rotimi Ogunleye (Ondo), Oluwatoyin Aluko (Oyo), Abdul-Rafiu Badru (Abuja-FCT), Mr Otega Ohimor (Delta), Adesola Ayoade (Ekiti) and Chuks Onyemulu (Lagos), in their valedictory messages to the outgoing president, commended him for repositioning the alumni body.
In his valedictory address to the outgoing National President, the Abuja-FCT Branch Chairman, Surveyor Badru, said, “We’re gathered here to acknowledge the dedication and service of the Surveyor Abiodun-led National Executive Committee.
Badru listed the Council’s achievements to include infrastructure development; scholarships for indigent students; support for graduates with health
challenges; push for polytechnic upgrade and improved funding; N5 million for storm damage repairs; hostel blocks handover; Secretariat on campus; and fostering unity; adding, “Thank you, Surv Abiodun for your vision and service. Your legacy inspires future leaders”.
The Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Surveyor Onyemulu, hailed Abiodun and members of his Executive Council “for their sacrificial services which have lifted our Alumni Association from obscurity to a global stage. Your foresight, hard work and dedication are immensely appreciated”.
His Delta State counterpart, Surveyor Ohimor, said that Abiodun’s “leadership style and commitment have brought credibility in capacity building and discipline to FEDPAAA. I appreciate all Council members for their support and contributions to uplift the Alumni association to move forward”.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Ekiti Chapter, Surveyor Ayoade, said that the outgoing Council “has demonstrated what collective commitment truly looks like – bringing together diverse experiences, ideas and expertise for a common purpose.
“The strength of any institution lies not only in its buildings or its history, but in its people. As alumni, we carry forward the values, traditions and vision that once shaped us. Through our service, mentorship, leadership, and unwavering support, we continue to strengthen the bridge between past, present, and future generations,” he said.
Also, the Rivers State Chapter Chairman, Major Ukwu (retd), he said, “We celebrate our National President, Dr Oyedokun Augustine Abiodun, for his sterling implementation and total accomplishment of the mandate given to him. Under his watch, we have transitioned into a full alumni structure. It is a historic feat; indeed, Mission Accomplished!
“As we transition, I charge every member to foster deeper connections and ignite a spirit of synergy. We must connect with one another and birth innovative ideas to brighten the horizon of our association. By doing so, we ensure that our chapters, our members, and our beloved Alma Mater continue to grow higher and take the lead wherever they find themselves,” Ukwu said.
His Ondo State counterpart, Surveyor Ogunleye, hailed Abiodun, saying, “You and the national executive committee have patiently paddled our affairs and ensured we forge ahead in unison. This unique quality and your enormity have kept the association together thus far.
“Our president, I thank you for providing leadership that is focused, representative and thrive in inclusivity. It is evident that you have led us well and you have set a high standard in both conduct and achievements that will continue to guide the coming executive in the years ahead,” he said.
Also the Oyo State Chapter Chairman, Surveyor Aluko, lauded the national exco, saying, “Your teamwork, resilience, and tireless efforts behind the scenes have not gone unnoticed. The successes we celebrate today are a testament to your cooperation and shared vision for a stronger and more united alumni family.
“On behalf of the entire Oyo State Chapter, I sincerely appreciate your support, guidance, and encouragement throughout our tenure. Your leadership has inspired us to raise the bar, strengthen our internal structures, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of our alma mater and the association at large,” Aluko said.
Recall that stakeholders in the Polytechnic education sector had been agitating for upgrading of polytechnics to degree awarding institutions for award of Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees and an end to HND/BSc dichotomy.
The Federal Government last month unveiled plans to end the long-standing HND/BSc dichotomy by granting polytechnics the authority to award degrees.
With degree-awarding status, polytechnics are expected to attract deeper industry collaboration, access better funding, and gain increased public trust.
The Minister of Education, Dr Alausa, who announced the initiative in Abuja at a high-level retreat attended by Governing Council chairmen, commissioners of education, rectors, registrars, and bursars, said “the reform was designed to strengthen technical and vocational education as a key driver of national development”.
He had described the policy shift as historic, noting that it would end years of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and reposition polytechnics as centres of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
He explained that the reform would maintain the practical, industry-oriented focus of polytechnic education while enhancing its contribution to a workforce capable of addressing real-life challenges and supporting Nigeria’s long-term competitiveness.
According to the minister, the policy aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises employment generation, industrial expansion, and human capital development.
