On Friday, March 22, 2024, the 2nd Combined Convocation and 17th Founder’s Day Ceremonies were held at the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora (OYSCATECH). The ceremony celebrated the graduation of the 2016 – 2023 set of graduands, who received National and Higher National Diplomas. The event also included the conferment of Fellowship awards on notable Nigerians and the commissioning of a new pure water factory.
The ceremony took place at the 800-seater Lecture Theatre of the institution and was attended by various dignitaries. In his keynote address, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, expressed his delight at the development and progress of OYSCATECH. The Governor, who was represented by the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Saliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, promised to address the needs of the institution. He also congratulated the Rector, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, and the staff of the institution for their achievements.
Governor Makinde acknowledged the institution’s remarkable achievements, particularly in research and development and collaboration with donor agencies. He encouraged the graduands to utilize their knowledge and skills to create businesses that would benefit others, emphasizing the importance of agriculture in the economy for growth and food security.
The Rector of the institution, Prof. Akinlabi, highlighted the significant number of graduates produced between 2016 and 2023, totaling 8,433 across various faculties at the National and Higher National Diploma levels. He also listed several achievements made within the last fifteen months, including support from staff and students, participation in educational programs sponsored by the French Government and the Institute of Tropical Agriculture, donations from various organizations, facilitation of academic programs, and more.
Prof. Akinlabi commended the host community for their cooperation and emphasized the peaceful relationship between the community, staff, and students on campus. He thanked the Oyo State Government for promptly paying staff salaries and requested continued support for the expansion of the institution’s facilities. He urged the graduands to remain determined and focused in their future endeavors.
The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Musa Aibinu, delivered a convocation lecture titled “Leveraging Agriculture Transformational Technology in Oyo State.” He emphasized the significance of agriculture in providing employment and feeding the nation. Prof. Aibinu encouraged the graduands to be creative, possess critical thinking skills, cultural intelligence, technological experience, leadership skills, and an active learning mindset to contribute meaningfully to the State’s agricultural development.
The Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Lateef Sanni, advised the graduands to remember that they carry the reputation and excellence of the institution with them as they transition to alumni. He encouraged them to embrace entrepreneurship, agriculture, and agribusiness to make a positive impact and drive change in society.
The overall best student, Ajayi Ibraheem Abidemi, expressed his gratitude to God, parents, and guardians for their support. He urged his fellow graduands to utilize their skills and creativity to contribute to sustainable development. He commended the management and staff of OYSCATECH and reminded his colleagues to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and service.
The convocation ceremony also witnessed the conferment of Fellowship Awards on notable Nigerians who have contributed positively to the nation’s development. Several past Principal Officers of the institution were also recognized for their sacrifices and contributions.
The ceremony concluded with the commissioning of a new pure water factory by the Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Lateef Sanni.
