Adeleke Inaugurates Advancement Board Of Osun Poly, Iree

…Says Initiative Will Strengthen Institutional Growth, Attract Partnerships

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has inaugurated the newly constituted Board of Trustees of the Advancement Programme of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, describing the initiative as a strategic step towards strengthening the institution’s growth and development.

Adeleke, who was represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, at the inauguration held at the polytechnic’s Council Board Room on Friday, October 2, 2026, said the initiative was designed to mobilise additional support, expertise and goodwill for the institution.

The governor, who is the Visitor to the polytechnic, commended the institution for its contributions to manpower development, entrepreneurship, technological innovation and economic growth in Osun State and Nigeria.

He stressed that investment in education remained crucial to societal development, noting that government alone could not provide all the resources required to sustain and develop tertiary institutions.

“This is why we are encouraging stronger partnerships among the government, the private sector, alumni, philanthropists, development agencies and other well-meaning stakeholders,” he said.

Adeleke charged members of the board to regard their appointments as both an honour and a call to service, urging them to deploy their professional expertise, networks and goodwill towards advancing the institution.

He said the board was expected to serve as a bridge between the polytechnic and the wider society by promoting institutional advancement, infrastructure development, research, innovation, industry collaboration and student support.

The governor also urged the trustees to work closely with the Governing Council, management, staff, students and alumni to attract strategic partnerships and improve the institution’s learning environment.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote quality education, institutional stability and sustainable development, while emphasising accountability, transparency and responsible leadership in tertiary institutions.

In his welcome address, the Rector of the polytechnic, Comrade Kehinde Adeyemi Alabi, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the institution’s efforts to achieve greater academic excellence.

Alabi welcomed the governor’s representative, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Dipo Oyewumi; the Chairman of the Advancement Board, Dr Deji Adeleke; the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole; and other stakeholders. He also congratulated Governor Adeleke on his victory in the last governorship election.

The rector said the Advancement Board would provide a platform for mobilising strategic partnerships at a time when tertiary institutions needed innovative approaches to funding and development.

According to him, the board is expected to strengthen relationships between the polytechnic and government, alumni, corporate organisations, development partners, philanthropists and professional bodies.

Highlighting the institution’s achievements over the last three years, Alabi listed the maintenance of a regular academic calendar, accreditation of about 46 National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes, and the introduction of degree programmes through affiliations with the University of Ilorin and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Other achievements, he said, included regular payment of staff salaries and other entitlements, provision of equipment for laboratories and workshops, construction of classrooms and offices, introduction of computer-based examinations and electronic voting for student union elections, as well as the introduction of Artificial Intelligence as a course.

The rector appreciated the Osun State Government, Governing Council, management, staff, alumni and Directorate of Advancement for their contributions to the institution’s development.

Congratulating the newly appointed board members, he expressed confidence that their experience and professional networks would help attract opportunities and strengthen the polytechnic’s academic and institutional capacity.

“Together, we shall build stronger partnerships and position Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, for a future of academic excellence and sustainable development,” Alabi said.

In his remarks, Adewusi, on behalf of the governor, commended the Governing Council, rector, management and staff for their efforts towards the institution’s development. He also appreciated the Directorate of Advancement and urged students to take advantage of the opportunities the initiative would create.

The deputy governor expressed optimism that unity of purpose and effective leadership would further enhance the institution’s growth and relevance before formally inaugurating the board and wishing its members a successful tenure.

The event also featured the presentation of the polytechnic’s new Central Verification Portal, developed by TechBrokers, to facilitate the fast and secure verification of certificates and academic transcripts.