The Nigeria Education News was live at the ETF Hall of Osun State Polytechnic on March 23, 2026, as the Rector, Alhaji Kehinde Adeyemi Alabi, formally announced activities for the institution’s 2026 convocation ceremony, alongside a series of policy and developmental updates. The briefing provided fresh insights into the institution’s direction, with particular emphasis on innovation, infrastructure, and academic expansion.
Providing details of the ceremony, the Rector confirmed that the main convocation event will hold on Thursday, March 26, where graduating students from multiple academic sessions will be formally conferred with diplomas and awards. He described the event as a “moment of consolidation,” reflecting the institution’s effort to maintain academic continuity and celebrate student achievement after several academic cycles.
Ahead of the grand finale, activities will begin with a convocation lecture scheduled for March 25, to be delivered by a Professor of Business Administration from Federal University Oye-Ekiti. The lecture will be followed by a reception at the Staff Club, while a friendly football match involving staff and alumni has been arranged to foster institutional bonding. An official involved in the planning told The Nigeria Education News, “This year’s programme is structured to reflect both academic excellence and community spirit.”
In a move signaling a shift toward future-focused education, the Rector announced the introduction of Artificial Intelligence as a compulsory general course across all departments. According to him, the initiative is designed to ensure that every graduate possesses foundational knowledge of emerging technologies. “We are aligning our curriculum with global realities. No student should leave here without an understanding of AI and its relevance,” he stated.
Reactions from students suggest strong support for the initiative. A Business Administration student who spoke with The Nigeria Education News said, “It’s a bold move. AI is already shaping industries, so this will help us stay relevant.” Similarly, a Science Laboratory Technology student noted, “It shows the school is thinking ahead and preparing us for the modern workplace.”
On institutional capacity, the Rector disclosed that the polytechnic maintains a wide range of accredited programmes, all approved by the National Board for Technical Education. He emphasized that sustaining accreditation across disciplines remains a priority, ensuring that graduates meet national standards in technical and vocational education.
Addressing development efforts, Alabi highlighted improvements in physical infrastructure and academic support systems, including enhanced learning spaces, upgraded administrative offices, and strengthened digital teaching capabilities. He added that ongoing investments in training and equipment are aimed at improving both staff performance and student experience.
The Rector also pointed to strengthened collaborations with University of Ilorin and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, noting that such partnerships are crucial for academic growth and knowledge exchange. He further acknowledged the role of the Osun State Government, under Ademola Adeleke, in supporting staff welfare and maintaining stability within the institution.
Concluding the briefing, Alabi revealed plans to institutionalize the convocation ceremony as an annual tradition beginning in 2027, a move expected to strengthen the academic calendar and institutional identity. Observers who spoke with The Nigeria Education News described the announcements as reflective of a polytechnic repositioning itself for relevance in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
