Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education across the state. The governor made this known at the 35th anniversary celebration of the Osun State Polytechnic Alumni Association in Osogbo, where he highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen collaborations between industry and academia.
According to him, the goal is to ensure graduates leave school with both certificates and the practical skills needed for employment and self-reliance.
At the ceremony, the alumni association honoured several prominent individuals, including the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Ajibola Basiru; the Executive Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority, Olalekan Badmus; and a former Deputy Chief Whip of the Osun State House of Assembly, Abidemi Ogunkanmi. Traditional rulers were also recognised, such as the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal; the Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Okunoye; a Chief Magistrate, Dr. Olusegun Ayilara; and other distinguished personalities within and outside the state.
The National President of the alumni association, Yakub Adebayo, said the group had continued to support one another, share opportunities, and uplift members. He noted that the association’s activities reflect the true spirit of its motto. He said, “Our alumni have excelled in various fields—from business and entrepreneurship to academia, the arts, and public service—and their accomplishments inspire us to strive for more.”
Governor Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, described the anniversary as a celebration of vision, growth, and impact. He said the future of the polytechnic must rest on the strong foundation laid over the last thirty-five years. He explained that the institution, founded to provide practical and industry-focused learning, had grown into what he called a “beacon of technical and vocational education,” producing thousands of skilled graduates who are contributing to national socio-economic development.
The governor praised the alumni association for what he described as its “unwavering support,” pointing to its role in infrastructure development, mentorship programmes, and the global promotion of the school’s reputation. He pledged continued government backing through improved funding, digital transformation, staff welfare, and enhanced autonomy to strengthen the institution’s competitiveness.
He added, “As we celebrate past achievements, the next phase must prioritise cutting-edge technology, research that solves real societal problems, global partnerships, and ethical leadership.”
