The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, has launched a biometric device and an electric tricycle as part of an effort to boost the production capabilities of Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Rector of the institution, Dr. Mukail Akinde, during the 21st Combined Convocation ceremony for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic sessions, held on Wednesday.
He explained that the manufacturing of these two items was part of the outstanding feats recorded by the school, wholly supported by TETFund.
Akinde said, “The biometric device was designed and assembled by the students and lecturers of Electrical and Electric Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science of this Polytechnic.
“It is noteworthy that the biometric devices could have been imported at an exorbitant price of N750,800 per device, excluding a withholding tax of 7.5% and VAT.”
He explained that the institution has numerous innovations that could help in developing the nation’s economy, emphasizing the need for the country to stop importing goods and embrace local production.
Akinde disclosed that 10,447 graduates were found worthy in both character and learning for the award of National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas, respectively. The Rector further stated that 795 students graduated with a distinction grade.
“For the 2021/2022 graduating class, the total number of male graduates produced from the HND programme is 426, while the total number of female graduates produced from the same programme is 663.
Altogether, a total number of 179 students achieved a distinction grade in the HND programme, with the best students—Sanusi Kehinde Salimot, a female student of the Department of Accountancy, and Sotuminu Elizabeth Temitope, a female student of the Science Laboratory Technology Department—graduating with a 3.89 CGPA each.
“In addition, 868 male students successfully graduated from the institution’s ND programme, while a total of 887 female students graduated from the same programme.
Altogether, a total of 164 students achieved a distinction grade in the ND programme, with the best student—Adeleke Asisat Ayobami, a female student of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology—graduating with a 3.88 CGPA.
A total of 553 male students graduated from the ND (Part-time programme), while a total number of 722 female students graduated from the same programme.
“With respect to the 2022/2023 graduating class, the total number of male graduates produced from the HND programme is 943, while the total number of female graduates produced from the same programme is 1373.
Altogether, a total number of 175 students achieved a distinction grade in the HND programme, with the best students—Salaudeen Azeezat Arike of the Office Technology Management, a female, and Ogungbayi Alimot Abisola of the Science Laboratory Technology (Blo-chemistry option), a female—graduating with a 3.90 CGPA each.
“In addition, 1,042 male students successfully graduated from the institution’s ND programme, while a total of 1187 students graduated from the same programme. Altogether, a total number of 277 students achieved a distinction grade in the ND programme, with the best student—Awojoola, Samuel Adeyemi of the Department of Business Administration and Management, a male—graduating with a 3.90 CGPA. A total of 805 male students graduated from the ND (Part-time programme), while a total number of 1,008 female students graduated from the same programme.”
The Rector enjoined the graduands to bear in mind that their “parents, institution, and nation have invested a lot” in them, adding that the time has come for them to “begin to unleash” their potential and put into use the 21st-century training skills and capabilities they have acquired.
The highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of the Institution’s fellowship on Dr. Adedoyin Tokunboh Ogunfemi, an alumnus.
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“Worthy of note is the fact that today, as approved by the Academic Board and the 11th Governing Council of the Polytechnic, we are bestowing our highest honor of fellowship on an eminent personality,” Dr. Akinde stated.
“The recipient, Dr. Adedoyin Tokunboh Ogunfemi, is a great and illustrious alumnus of the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro who has distinguished himself through his commendable service to our great institution, country, and humanity.
I am seizing this opportunity to once again appreciate him, not just for his impactful endowments at the Polytechnic but for his rare dedication, passion, and incurable identification with our brand.”
