The Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti was recently ravaged by a severe rainstorm, leaving a trail of destruction across the campus. Buildings, including classrooms, hostels, laboratories, and offices, suffered extensive damage. Critical infrastructure such as ICT systems and electric poles were also impacted, disrupting the institution’s operations and creating a challenging environment for both students and staff. Dr. Oyedokun Abiodun, the National President of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti Alumni Association, expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting the disruption to the teaching and learning process. This recent storm follows a similar event last year, exacerbating the already precarious situation and underscoring the urgent need for intervention and support.
The scale of the damage necessitates a comprehensive and collaborative effort to rebuild and restore the institution’s functionality. Dr. Abiodun has issued a fervent appeal to various stakeholders, including President Bola Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for immediate assistance. He stressed the importance of a swift assessment of the damage and the provision of adequate resources to facilitate the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected facilities. The disruption caused by the storm has created significant hardship for the students, impacting their academic pursuits and overall well-being.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Abiodun made a special appeal to mothers across Nigeria, invoking the compassion and influence of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to advocate for support and alleviate the students’ distress. He highlighted the importance of creating a conducive learning environment and appealed for their intervention to restore normalcy and stability for the affected students. This call for maternal support underscores the widespread impact of the disaster and the need for collective action to address the students’ immediate needs and ensure their continued education.
The alumni association, under Dr. Abiodun’s leadership, has also taken the initiative to mobilize resources and support the rebuilding efforts. He called upon alumni members to honor their pledges and contribute generously towards the restoration of their alma mater. The collective contributions of the alumni community will be instrumental in expediting the recovery process and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the institution. The alumni association’s commitment reflects a deep sense of responsibility and a dedication to supporting their alma mater in times of need.
Beyond the alumni network, Dr. Abiodun extended his appeal to a broader audience, including private companies, non-governmental organizations, development agencies, and philanthropic individuals. He emphasized the importance of collaborative partnerships in addressing the challenges posed by the storm’s aftermath. The involvement of these external stakeholders is crucial for mobilizing the necessary resources and expertise to rebuild the infrastructure and reinstate a conducive learning environment. Their support will be essential in ensuring that the students can resume their academic pursuits without further disruption and that the institution can recover from the setback.
Dr. Abiodun expressed optimism that with the combined efforts of government agencies, the alumni network, concerned mothers, and other benevolent organizations, the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti will emerge from this challenging period stronger and more resilient. The collective response to the disaster underscores the importance of community support and the shared commitment to ensuring the continued success of the institution. The rebuilding process represents an opportunity not only to restore the physical infrastructure but also to strengthen the bonds within the polytechnic community and create a more resilient and sustainable future for the institution.
