Ibadan Poly Makes History With Two Convocations in One Year, Graduates 4,993 as Makinde Hails Ceremony as Best in Oyo

Kehinde Ayanboade,

Ibadan.

For the first time since its establishment in 1970, The Polytechnic, Ibadan under the management of the Acting Rector, Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi has held two separate convocation ceremonies within a single year, marking a historic departure from the long-standing practice of joint convocations.

The milestone was recorded during the institution’s 40th convocation ceremony held on Friday, 19th December 2025, in the institution’s 1000 seater capacity lecture theatre, where a total of 4,993 students were awarded National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates, following an earlier convocation ceremony held in February 2025.

Out of the total number of graduands, 1,514 students completed their National Diploma programmes, while 2,879 graduated with Higher National Diploma, spread across five faculties. The overall best graduating student recorded a cumulative grade point average of 3.87.

Oyo State Governor and Visitor to the institution, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Adebayo Abdulrahman Lawal, commended the management of the Polytechnic for what he described as the best convocation ceremony in the state, praising the institution for its organisation, academic stability and growth.

In his convocation address, the Acting Rector, Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi said the historic double convocation was a reflection of improved academic planning and stability within the institution. 

“This institution has witnessed 39 graduation ceremonies since 1970, and presently, we have no backlog of graduation ceremonies. We intend to maintain this clean slate of normal and industrial-free academic sessions,” he said.

He disclosed that the institution recently recorded 100 per cent success in the accreditation and re-accreditation of 42 academic programmes by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), adding that approval had also been granted for new programmes, including ND Food Science and Technology, ND Transport Planning and Management, ND Crime Management, as well as new Higher National Diploma options.

The Rector also used the occasion to appeal for the conversion of polytechnics into degree-awarding institutions, with a focus on Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees, saying the move would finally end the disparity between university and polytechnic graduates. 

“Turning polytechnics into degree-awarding institutions will end the dichotomy between BSc and HND holders. Countries like China and the United Kingdom have taken this path because they recognise the critical role of polytechnics in national development,” he said.

He specifically appealed to Governor Makinde to kickstart the process with The Polytechnic, Ibadan, expressing confidence that the institution would excel as a degree-awarding institution with the support of the state government.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of N19 million in cash awards by the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to outstanding graduating students and innovative lecturers.

The overall best graduating student, Kemisola Yusuf, a Microbiology graduate with a CGPA of 3.87, received N6 million, while six best graduating students from the faculties were awarded N1.5 million each. Two lecturers also received N2 million each under the Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Award for Innovation and Technology.

Speaking at the event, the monarch, an alumnus of the institution, described The Polytechnic, Ibadan, as the foundation of his life. “This citadel of learning remains my foundation in life. I left this great institution 30 years ago as an accountancy student, and it is a thing of joy to reconnect with my foundation today,” the Ooni said.

He added that he never imagined his future while navigating campus life as a student. “Many years ago, I remember my days in Unity Hall and Ramat Hall, facing the realities of studentship without knowing what the future held for me. Today, by the grace of God, I am the Ooni of Ife,” he said, urging the graduands to remain focused and innovative.

The Rector noted that beyond academic excellence, the institution had strengthened discipline among staff and students, effectively tackling issues such as cultism and maintaining cordial relationships that ensured industrial harmony and uninterrupted academic sessions.