The Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora, ushered in a new academic year with the matriculation of 2,268 students for the 2024/2025 session. This intake comprises 1,661 students admitted into National Diploma (ND) programmes (both full-time and part-time) and 607 students admitted into Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes (also across full-time and part-time modes of study). The matriculation ceremony, a significant event marking the formal induction of students into the institution, was held on Saturday and announced in a statement by the Director of Public Relations, Olawore Opeyemi. The event was further distinguished by the announcement of a major achievement: the accreditation of 25 academic programmes by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Addressing the matriculating students, Rector Professor Akinola Akinlabi emphasized the prestigious nature of their admission and urged them to maximize the opportunities available at OYSCATECH. He stressed that academic excellence, while important, isn’t the sole determinant of success. He encouraged students to develop well-rounded personalities by honing their communication and interpersonal skills, actively participating in extracurricular activities, joining registered clubs and organizations, and engaging in community service projects. Professor Akinlabi highlighted the institution’s unique focus on practical, entrepreneurship-focused training, research, and community service, underscoring OYSCATECH’s commitment to producing graduates equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. He further emphasized the institution’s robust academic foundation, citing its status as a full-fledged polytechnic since April 2016 and the presence of qualified staff for effective administration, teaching, and research.
The Rector’s address also included the significant announcement of the NBTE’s accreditation of 25 academic programmes. This achievement reflects the quality and standards maintained by OYSCATECH. Out of the 25 programmes, 24 received full accreditation for a period of five years, while the HND Statistics program received resource accreditation for two years. This accreditation not only validates the quality of education offered at OYSCATECH but also enhances the value and recognition of certificates awarded by the institution. This development further solidifies OYSCATECH’s position as a reputable institution committed to delivering quality technical education.
Professor Akinlabi expressed his gratitude to Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for his consistent support of the institution, particularly in ensuring timely salary payments and promoting agricultural development within the state. He also addressed the issue of delayed National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization for some graduates, stating that 90% of affected students have now been mobilized, with the remaining cases being actively addressed. This demonstrates the institution’s commitment to ensuring its graduates seamlessly transition into their national service obligations.
Looking ahead, Professor Akinlabi announced a promising partnership with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). OYSCATECH is set to begin offering some of FUNAAB’s degree programmes, providing a pathway for HND graduates to further their education and for other interested individuals to pursue direct entry into degree programmes. This collaboration expands OYSCATECH’s academic offerings and provides further opportunities for students to pursue higher educational goals.
The Rector also took the opportunity to highlight some of his administration’s achievements, including the procurement of 250 laptops to facilitate the re-accreditation of OYSCATECH’s ICT center as a Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Test (CBT) center. This upgrade enhances the institution’s capacity to conduct standardized examinations and strengthens its role in the national educational landscape. He also mentioned OYSCATECH’s participation in the Women in Agricultural Technical Education and Apprenticeship (WATEA) project. This project has provided training opportunities for staff members in France and facilitated the training of 500 students in various agricultural enterprises, promoting gender equality and empowerment in the agricultural sector.
Finally, Professor Akinlabi announced the receipt of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention for 2025, in addition to previous High Impact, Zonal, and Annual interventions. This consistent financial support from TETFund has been instrumental in facilitating infrastructure development, research activities, and academic improvement within the institution. The culmination of these achievements paints a picture of a dynamic and progressive institution committed to providing quality education, fostering research, and contributing to national development. The matriculation ceremony, therefore, marked not only the beginning of a new academic year but also a celebration of OYSCATECH’s ongoing growth and commitment to excellence.
