By Tope Abiola
A mustard seed planted in 1992 has today, grown into a giant oak tree, so goes for Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, which emerged from a Satellite Campus of the Polytechnic, Ibadan into a separate autonomous Institution about 30 years ago.
From lowly academic infrastructure but blended with well trained staff, the polytechnic was positioned to face the challenges of the new millennium.
In addition, the Institution has attracted a student population, trained in the best principles of academic discipline infused with the requisites moral character and intellectual resources to hold their own among their peers anywhere in the globe.
The journey of today did not start on an early ride, indeed the journey has been tortuous. But with focus on developing the academic and entrepreneurial skills of its students, authorities of Osun State Polytechnic have not deviated in implementing the philosophy of its founding fathers.
The combined 7th Convocation of the 30 year old polytechnic is therefore an eye-opener to the giant strides recorded by the Institution inspite of challenges on its way. From the tenure of its pioneer Rector, Dr. Jacob Sunday Opakunle which has gone into history as the Granite Foundation, Osun State Polytechnic Iree has an impressive profile to parade.
The growth of the Institution has been phenomenal since then; Aided by a succession of equally brilliant and resilient Chief Executives the polytechnic under the leadership of Prof Babatunde Adeleke, Late Chief Timothy Ibitoye and Dr. Jacob Olusola Agboola, grew from strength to strength with impressive records to show for such performances.
The incumbent Rector, Dr. Woye Olaniran is determined to build on the foundation of success which has been consolidated by his predecessors since his appointment on the 1st of July 2019, Dr. Olaniran has raised the glory of the Institution through rapid academic excellence and moral rejuvenation among staff and students of the institution.
Dr. Olaniran, an Economist, Banker and astute Entrepreneurer has added tremendous values to infrastructural development in the institution.
Dr. Olaniran embraced strong commitment to projects, designed to shore up the Internally Generated Revenue Capacity of the Polytechnic, he embarked on Projects Spread in Sports Complex Rehabilitation, Procurement of Medical Equipment, Grading and Rehabilitation of Roads, Rehabilitation of Lecture Halls, Regular Supply of Electricity, Training of Academic and Non-academic Staff, Establishment of Open Distance and Flexible Learning, Establishment of an Independent Portal Management of the Institution, Unwavering Commitment to Staff – welfare through Regular Payment of Salaries and Allowances, and Affiliation of the Polytechnic to Degree Awarding Universities in Nigeria and Overseas are some of the laudable achievements of Dr. Olaniran’s Rectorship.
As part of Dr. Olaniran’s led administration under the chairmanship of the Governing Council of Dr. Ismail Abiodun Saka-Layonu (SAN) and his able team a newly constructed Faculty of Engineering Lecture t
Theartre, an Ultra-Modern Complex of Department of Computer Science and Faculty of Arts and Industrial Design Building Complex were commissioned recently by the Executive Governor of the State through the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Folorunso Oladoyin and the Special Adviser on Education, Alhaji Jamiu Olawumi.
Dr. Olaniran, a Spirit-Filled Creature is a native of Gbangan, Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State, he is a Preacher of the Words of God, a Christian per excellent, embodied by Love, Tolerance, Dogged in achieving whatever is envisioned to the Glory of God in the Service of Humanity. His Leadership style is worthy of emulation.
As Dr Olaniran marks his birth anniversary today, I felicitate with him and pray for his longevity in the land of the living.
Tope Abiola, is the Head of Department of Mass Communication and Media Relations Officer of the Institution.
