by- James Ani
Editor- Ayomiposi Akinrimisi.
Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, held its Convocation Lecture as part of activities marking the ongoing 2025 Convocation Celebration at the institution’s Academic Board Auditorium.
The event began with an opening prayer, followed by the rendition of the National Anthem and the RUGIPO Anthem. In his welcome address, the Acting Rector, Mr. Olorunwa Simon Adegun, expressed delight at the successful hosting of the convocation and commended the graduating students for their hard work and resilience. He urged them to see education not merely as a certificate, but as the development of skills, knowledge, and character needed to excel in life.
Mr. Adegun appreciated the Ondo State Government, led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for its continuous support to the institution and reaffirmed the management’s commitment to promoting technical education and innovation in Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, the Acting Registrar, Mr. O.M. Moloye, congratulated the graduating students and acknowledged the contributions of the Polytechnic’s academic and non-academic staff. He encouraged the graduates to remain good ambassadors of the institution and to make a positive impact in society.
The Convocation Lecture, titled “Technical Education as a Catalyst for Innovation and Sustainable Development,” was delivered by Prince Biyi Poroye, Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).
In his lecture, Prince Poroye emphasized that technical education remains the bedrock of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development in any growing economy. He urged Nigerian youths to embrace technical skills as a means of achieving self-reliance and driving national progress.
He further commended Rufus Giwa Polytechnic for its dedication to promoting technical education and charged the management to continue providing an enabling environment for creativity and skill development.
Also speaking at the event, Professor Olugbenga Ige from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, congratulated the graduating students and applauded RUGIPO’s management for steering the institution toward excellence after years of challenges. He encouraged the graduates to uphold integrity, diligence, and innovation in their various fields of endeavor.
The ceremony marked a historic moment for the Polytechnic as it celebrated the graduation of over 25,000 students after a 12-year hiatus, symbolizing the institution’s renewed commitment to academic excellence and national development.
A highlight of the event was the recognition of a student-athlete who represented RUGIPO in the 4×4 relay race and was awarded a scholarship to study in Kenya, further showcasing the Polytechnic’s dedication to rewarding excellence and promoting global exposure.
The program came to a close with the rendition of the RUGIPO Anthem and a closing prayer, leaving the audience inspired by the call to embrace technical education as a driver of innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria.
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