A Public Affairs Expert, Dr. (Venerable) Samson Kunle Popoola has emphasized the importance of character and competence in producing capable graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions that fit into the fourth global industrial revolution
Popoola, a first graduate with Distinction grade in the mid 80s in the Department of Architectural Technology from the then Ogun State Polytechnic Abeokuta, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic MAPOLY Abeokuta, was speaking as a guest lecturer on Wednesday, during a maiden Matriculation ceremony lecture of the institution with the theme " Building a Solid Foundation: the Synergy of Character and Competence", organized for fresh students admitted into various National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) academic programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session
Nigeria according to him, does not need more graduates but only needs graduates with character and competence , urging the fresh students to make good use of opportunities being provided by MAPOLY to shape their future in the era where technology is transforming everything with the presence of Artificial intelligence, Digital economy, Automation, Data science and Creative industry
He stressed the importance of skill acquisition , saying character alone is not enough, except with the required skills to solve real problems in the society
"The world we are living in today is asking a critical question *What can you do? Not just * What certificate do you have? . That is why Polytechnic education is increasing important in this age of technology and artificial intelligence. Moshood Abiola Polytechnic MAPOLY Abeokuta is designed to produce problem solvers"
The world today respects competence, excellence in practical education ", he maintained
The guest lecturer noted that MAPOLY has distinguished itself, producing top-notch graduates in various fields from the Accountancy , Architecture , Mass Communication and Engineering Departments
Popoola urged the students to start building strong character, do personal analysis, communicating with one another and come up with innovation
He added that ability to combine strong character with competence which according to him, is rare among Nigerian graduates, will make such graduates to be trustworthy and capable, skillful and responsible, brilliant and dependable
He therefore urged them to choose wisely in making choice of friends, saying such friends must encourage growth and enterprise, in order to build a solid foundation of character, competence , discipline, integrity
Similarly the Rector, Dr (Arc.) Adekoyejo Joloaoso had earlier in his opening speech, encouraged the fresh students to dream boldly, work diligently, and conduct themselves in ways that will make their respective families, the institution, and the nation proud of them
"Your success will require diligence, discipline, resilience, and integrity.
You must also cultivate the values of respect, responsibility, tolerance,
and collaboration, as these are essential attributes for leadership in
today's dynamic world"
"As fresh and promising students, I advise you to carefully choose your
associations and friends wisely. Do not accept unsolicited help from
unknown and suspicious sources. Always avoid anything and actions
that could tarnish the reputation of the institution or your families", he cautioned
The Rector while congratulating the fresh students on their admission into MAPOLY, reminded them of their primary purpose of acquiring the worthy certificate of the institution, sounding it loud that the polytechnic has zero tolerance for anti-social behaviours, examination misconduct, indecent dressing and participation in secret associations as contained in the path taken by the students
"Moshood Abiola Polytechnic has a proud heritage of producing
graduates who contribute meaningfully to national development,
industry, entrepreneurship, and public service. I have no doubt that you too will add to the legacy" , he stated
Chairman of the Governing Council, Emeritus Professor Kamal'deen Balogun said the name "Moshood Abiola" is known for excellence in all aspects of human endeavours, urging the fresh students to strive for excellence in what they do on campus
"As students of this institution, you carry a legacy that challenges you to pursue excellence and integrity in all your academic and social endeavours"
Governing Council Chairman represented by Dr. Rabiu Kusimo , restated the commitment of the council to sustenance of strong leadership for the institution to continue to uphold its culture of academic excellence
"The Governing Council remains committed to providing, strategic leadership required to strengthen the Polytechnic's academic standards, infrastructure and institutional reputation."
"We will continue to work closely with the management to ensure that the institution continues to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also innovative, skilled and ready to contribute meaningfully to national development". he assured
The oath was later administered on the students for the new academic session while a special gift was presented to the guest lecturer by the Council's chairman
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