By Ayodele Abere
The Founder of Ajayi Polytechnic, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Dr. Busayo Ajayi has reiterated that the Polytechnic is not a certificate factory where students get certificates effortlessly.
Dr. Ajayi stated this while speaking with journalists at the end of the 7th Matriculation Ceremony of both the National Diploma and Higher National Diploma of the institution, held at the main campus of the Polytechnic on Wednesday in Ikere -Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The Founder who explained that any student of the institution that is found wanting in one way or the other will be expelled, said candidates that are looking for the institution where they will just get certicate without attending lectures cannot graduate from Ajayi Polytechnic, saying that the benchmark for attendance is eighty percent.
As a measure to mitigate growing unemployment rates in the country, Ajayi stated that it has become imperative for every student of the Polytechnic to acquire at least one skill before graduation.
“The reason why we have more than 70 per cent unemployment rates among the youths is because most of them do not have the opportunity to acquire the skill that could give them the opportunity to set up sustainable business after their education. That’s why we ensure that all our students acquire at least one skill for them to be able to set up sustainable business and become employer of labour after their education. That’s one thing we promised our students”.
Advising the students to take the skill acquisition serious for them to be self-reliant, Dr Ajayi said they would acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviour that will put them in a position to compete with others globally. You cannot finish from Ajayi Polytechnic and be unemployed. The Founder maintained.
On the nationwide scheduled protest, Ajayi said he could feel the pains, stressing that the protest is not illegal. But appealed that it must be carried out in a peaceful manner and avoid anything that could cause trouble. It must be done in a civilized way. Said he.
However, the entrepreneur urged governments at all levels to listen to the people’s demands and see how they can work towards meeting the demands and make life easier for the people. He equally called for review of policies and ensure that the policies bringing in are capable of solving the economic problem of Nigeria.
“Teach people how to fish rather than giving them fish. Rather than doing cash transfer to people, let’s try and make sure that we help the people to acquire skills which I am much interested in, being an entrepreneur.
The State Coordinator, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Ekiti State, Mr Hassan Lawal described Ajayi Polytechnic as a blessing to people noting that the Polytechnic has enjoyed the professional guidance of JAMB. The initiative which according to him has helped the Institution to stay in line with the lay down principles of JAMB on admission criteria.
“I can confirm that all the admitted students were duly screened. All admission were done in accordance with JAMB procedure, called CAPS”
He advised the newly admitted students to stay focused and shun social vices that could derail their academic status and urged them to study hard to achieve their goals in life and be good ambassadors to their parents.
Charging the new intakes of the Polytechnic, the Chairman Governing Council of the Institution, Professor Michael Ajayi ably represented by Dr. Adu said Ajayi Polytechnic is not for lazy people as the motto of the Polytechnic is “raising giants”
Noting that nothing good comes easy, he said before they can become giants, that they must be hard-working. Saying hard work is the only thing that could make them attain their goals in life. He told the matriculants that Ajayi Polytechnic is an Institution without failure where they can’t leave without attaining their objectives.
He therefore advised them to always obey the rules and regulations of the institution in accordance to the oath they took.
The occasion which was well graced by dignitaries from far and near also had the parents and guardians of the new students in attendance including their families and friends.