By Giwa Faruk/ Temidayo Atere
Editor Ayomiposi Akinrimisi
The lecture, held at the institution's 800-Seater Auditorium, attracted students, lecturers, management staff, and other members of the Polytechnic community. The Acting Rector, Engr. Dr. Olorunwa Sunday Lawson, was the chief host, while the event featured presentations by renowned academics, including Prof. Olubunmi Akinsanya Alo of the Department of Medical Sociology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Dr. Robert W. Odewale, and Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) Olajumoke Ojo.
In his welcome address, the Acting Rector expressed satisfaction over the return of the institution's public lecture series, noting that the previous edition was held in October 2024. He described the programme as a strategic initiative aimed at restoring the Polytechnic's academic values through discipline, innovation, quality education, and institutional reforms.
Dr. Lawson explained that the "RUGIPO Reset" initiative was designed to reposition the institution for greater academic excellence while promoting integrity and responsible leadership among staff and students. He also acknowledged ongoing discussions regarding the proposed transition of the Polytechnic into a university but clarified that no official approval had been announced.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman stressed the importance of sustaining public lectures as an integral part of academic life, noting that such engagements encourage knowledge sharing, discipline, and academic integrity within tertiary institutions.
Delivering his lecture, Dr. Robert W. Odewale emphasized the need for strict adherence to academic ethics, condemning examination malpractice and other forms of academic dishonesty. He described an academic as a scholar committed not only to teaching but also to research, mentorship, and knowledge dissemination, urging senior lecturers to mentor younger academics for the advancement of the profession.
Also speaking, Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) Olajumoke Ojo encouraged students to attend lectures regularly, complete assignments promptly, and prepare adequately for examinations. She advised lecturers to remain committed to quality teaching, continuous assessment, and mentorship while advocating cordial relationships between lecturers and students. To strengthen examination integrity, she recommended the installation of CCTV cameras in examination halls.
In separate interviews with the Press Council after the lecture, Dr. Odewale urged students to pursue knowledge beyond the acquisition of certificates, saying, "Results are only papers, but the knowledge you acquire remains with you for life." He advised Higher National Diploma (HND) students to prepare themselves for life after graduation by developing skills and competence that would distinguish them in the labour market.
Dr. Ojo, on her part, stated that employers continue to seek graduates of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic because of their academic competence and sound character. She acknowledged existing challenges within the education sector but noted that they were not peculiar to RUGIPO. According to her, the Reset initiative is focused on producing graduates who are knowledgeable, disciplined, morally upright, and capable of providing responsible leadership.
She added that the success of the institutional reset requires the collective commitment of the management, lecturers, non-teaching staff, cleaners, and students in rebuilding the Polytechnic's reputation as a centre of academic excellence.
The event also featured presentations by pupils of the institution's Staff School, while awards and certificates of recognition were presented to outstanding lecturers and other members of the Polytechnic community in appreciation of their contributions to academic development.
The public lecture ended on a hopeful note, with participants expressing confidence that the "RUGIPO Reset" initiative would strengthen academic standards, promote discipline and integrity, and accelerate the transformation of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
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