Mr Femi Ipadeola, Acting Rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan, has urged the 5,948 newly-admitted students into National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes to uphold the institution’s historical pedigree.
Ipadeola gave the advice at the matriculation ceremony held in Ibadan on Friday, which marked the commencement of the 2018/2019 academic session of the institution.
The acting rector said that the institution, which was established 49 years ago, had produced leaders in the country in all facets.
He urged the newly-admitted students to build on the good legacies of the institution.
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“We have a strong pedigree and all of us have the responsibility to preserve that pedigree. I believe that we have carefully selected the best applicants from the pool that JAMB sent to us and we are confident that you will make us proud.
“It is important to ask yourselves this question everyday you wake up: Why am I here?
“You are here to develop yourselves robustly and the syllabus is one of the ways you have to develop yourselves.
“The second reason is to build a strong network of contacts as your greatest asset in life is your social capital; ensure you do that while you are here and don’t move with laggards who are going nowhere.
“The third reason you are here is to contribute to this institution. Hard work and diligence will make you stand out in life and to make your mark.
“These three fundamentals matter: what you know, who you know and what you do,” Ipadeola said.
He said that all the programmes in the institution were accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
He encouraged the students to engage in sports and other social activities recognised by the institution for robust development.
Ipadeola said that it was important for the newly admitted students to obey the rules and regulations guiding students’ activities in the institution.
He noted that ignorance would not be tenable as an excuse when facing students’ disciplinary committee.
“The Polytechnic Ibadan cherishes its hard-earned name and image, so you are expected to obey the rules and regulations of this institution as any breach of the rules would attract appropriate sanction,’’ Ipadeola said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 2, 698 students were admitted for ND programmes, while 3, 250 students were admitted for HND programmes in the five faculties of the institution. (NAN)