It was a moment of honour for the leadership and management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun state on Saturday as the their exceptional commitment to student welfare, inclusive leadership and unwaivering support for initiatives that promote academic excellence and a conducive learning for students and of the institution as the National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone D, on Saturday honoured the institution’s top echelon.
The students’ body honoured the Rector, Dr. Sani Man Yahaya with ‘Noble Friend of Students Award’ while the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Taiwo Akanbi Olaiya was decorated as the Grand Father of NANS in the South-West Zone D.
The ceremony which was held on the Polytechnic campus was attended by the leadership and other executive officers of the National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone D, comprising Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo.
Speaking on why the Rector was honoured, Coordinator of NANS South West Zone D, Owolewa Taiwo, said the reinstatement of some rusticated students of the Polytechnic by the management was the main reason behind the decision.
Taiwo described Olaiya and Akanbi as fathers of the student association, saying there mentorship, guidance and achievements in the citadel of learning have been unmatched in the region.
The Rector expressed happiness over the award and recognition, saying the interventions that led to the reinstatement of the expelled students have been instructive, especially that of the Governing Council Chairman whose admonitions impacted him positively.
He urged students to always prioritize their academic pursuits and engage in lawful activities.
While speaking, the Governing Council Chairman, Olaiya, said it was very gratifying to be recognised by the youths as someone who has contributed meaningfully to their lives.
“We cannot continue to say youths are the leaders of tomorrow when all we do is count more on their errors than on how to correct those errors,” he remarked.
“No matter what, youths are expected to have a little bit of exuberance on their side and I am happy for the recent victory. That is the critical reason that the coordinator said they placed this honour over and that is the fact that they recognise the fact that the Rector is giving listening ears to the council chairman and other members of the council to improve on the welfare of the students.”
“We have also made it known to students at all times that even though we are not here to punish you, you should also know that your primary assignment is very important and your parents are expecting so much. So, you should concentrate more on your primary assignment than on anything else that will lead you to trouble in school,” he urged the students.
The Polytechnic leadership had on September 2024 reinstated suspended and rusticated students after pardoning them over the vandalism that trailed a protest held on the campus.
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