Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning technical and vocational education as a key driver of youth empowerment and economic development in the state. The governor made the declaration on Saturday at the 35th anniversary celebration of the Osun State Polytechnic Alumni Association held in Osogbo.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, Governor Adeleke said his administration was deliberately strengthening collaborations between industry leaders and academic institutions to ensure that graduates are not only degree holders but also possess the hands-on skills required for employability and self-reliance. He emphasised that the new education agenda prioritises practical competence over paper qualifications.
The event, which brought together prominent personalities from across the state and beyond, also featured the recognition of distinguished alumni and friends of the institution. Among those honoured were the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru; the Executive Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Olalekan Badmus; and a former Deputy Chief Whip of the Osun State House of Assembly, Abidemi Ogunkanmi.
Several traditional rulers were also honoured at the ceremony, underscoring their long-standing support for the polytechnic community. Recipients included the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal; the Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Okunoye; and Chief Magistrate Dr. Olusegun Ayilara, along with other royal fathers and notable personalities from within and outside Osun State.
Addressing attendees, the National President of the Alumni Association, Yakub Adebayo, highlighted the strong bond that has defined the group over the decades. He said the alumni body has remained committed to supporting one another, sharing opportunities, and advancing collective growth in the spirit of its founding motto.
Adebayo noted that graduates of the institution have excelled across multiple sectors ranging from business and entrepreneurship to academia, the creative industry, public service, and more. Their achievements, he said, continue to inspire others within the network to aim higher and contribute meaningfully to society.
Governor Adeleke described the 35th anniversary as a celebration of vision, resilience, and the transformative journey of the polytechnic. He said the institution, which was founded with a mandate to deliver industry-driven and practical education, has grown into a beacon of technical and vocational training not only in Osun but across Nigeria.
He added that over the past three and a half decades, the polytechnic has produced thousands of highly skilled graduates who are contributing to the socio-economic development of the state and the country at large. This legacy, he stressed, must be preserved and strengthened for future generations.
Adeleke also commended the alumni association for what he called its “unwavering support,” particularly its investments in infrastructure, mentorship programmes, and initiatives that have helped to elevate the institution’s reputation globally. He described the alumni as key partners in the government’s efforts to reform the education sector.
The governor used the occasion to announce renewed government commitment to boosting the polytechnic’s capacity through increased funding, digital transformation, improved staff welfare, and greater institutional autonomy. These reforms, he said, are part of a broader strategy to make Osun’s technical institutions globally competitive.
As the anniversary celebration continued with reflections and tributes, Adeleke urged the institution and its stakeholders to focus on the future. He said the next phase of development must prioritise cutting-edge technology, solution-driven research, strategic global partnerships, and the promotion of ethical leadership.
He concluded by challenging both staff and alumni to embrace innovation and uphold the values that have sustained the polytechnic for 35 years. According to him, Osun State can only achieve its development goals when its institutions produce graduates equipped with the competence and creativity needed in today’s rapidly evolving world.
The anniversary celebrations ended with renewed commitments from government officials, alumni, and traditional rulers to continue supporting the institution as it enters a new chapter of growth and relevance.
