The Rector of Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Dr. Mobolaji Onasanya, extended a warm welcome to the incoming class of 2024/2025 during their matriculation ceremony, emphasizing the significance of their commitment to academic excellence and the avoidance of detrimental distractions. He highlighted specific vices prevalent in academic environments, such as cultism, prostitution, examination malpractice, and drug abuse, cautioning the 3,175 newly admitted students against these potentially destructive behaviors. Onasanya stressed that matriculation represented a formal commitment to upholding the institution’s values and regulations, a covenant that bound them to a path of integrity and responsible conduct throughout their academic journey. This oath-taking, he explained, symbolized their formal induction into the polytechnic community and marked the beginning of their transformation into skilled professionals and responsible citizens.
Onasanya acknowledged the demanding nature of academic pursuits, recognizing the potential challenges students might encounter along their educational path. However, he encouraged them to view these challenges as opportunities for growth and emphasized the eventual rewards that awaited those who persevered with diligence and focus. He urged the students to prioritize their studies, cultivate effective time management skills, and seek support from faculty and peers whenever necessary. The Rector painted a picture of a fulfilling academic experience, one where hard work and dedication translated into both personal and professional success, contributing to the overall development of society. He reminded them that their time at the polytechnic was an investment in their future, an investment that would yield significant returns with consistent effort and a steadfast commitment to their academic goals.
Beyond the individual responsibility of the students, the Rector also addressed the crucial role of the state government in fostering a conducive learning environment. He made a direct appeal for increased financial support, arguing that adequate funding was essential for the polytechnic’s continued growth and development. Onasanya outlined how increased funding could translate into improved infrastructure, enhanced learning resources, and the recruitment and retention of qualified faculty, all of which would contribute to a higher quality of education for the students. He painted a vision of a thriving institution, equipped to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a competitive global landscape.
The Rector’s appeal for increased funding underscored the interconnectedness between government support and the quality of education. He argued that investing in education was investing in the future of the state and the nation, as a well-educated populace formed the backbone of a prosperous society. He emphasized the polytechnic’s commitment to producing skilled graduates who could contribute meaningfully to various sectors of the economy, driving innovation and progress. By providing the necessary financial resources, the government would not only be supporting the polytechnic but also investing in the future prosperity of the state and the nation as a whole.
The matriculation ceremony served as a symbolic entry point for the new students, marking the commencement of their journey towards academic and professional fulfillment. The Rector’s address, a blend of cautionary advice, encouragement, and a plea for support, underscored the collective responsibility shared by students, the institution, and the government in fostering a thriving educational ecosystem. It was a call to action, urging all stakeholders to play their respective roles in nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals and responsible citizens.
Ultimately, the event represented a commitment to the transformative power of education, a commitment shared by the students, the institution, and ideally, the government. The Rector’s words resonated as a reminder of the potential within each student, a potential waiting to be unlocked through hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of a nurturing academic community backed by adequate resources. It was a celebration of new beginnings, a testament to the enduring power of education to shape lives and contribute to the progress of society.
