Dr Taiwo Abideen Lasisi, Acting Rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan, was a guest on Parrot Xtra/Ayekooto anchored by Olayinka Agboola on Splash 105.5 FM where he highlighted key achievements including prudent management of funds, programme accreditation, administrative reforms and other salient issues. Excerpts:
How has managing the affairs of The Polytechnic Ibadan been so far?
I give glory to God, because whatever position one is privileged to hold is made possible by God.
How has The Polytechnic Ibadan performed in the accreditation of courses?
At The Polytechnic, Ibadan, you shouldn’t expect less because it is one of the foremost polytechnics in Nigeria. Our institution is a standard for reference during accreditation to other polytechnics in the country and whatever The Polytechnic Ibadan does is what they adhere to because of the standard and quality of education we offer. This speaks volume of what a polytechnic should stand for.
We have accredited most of our courses. It was about three months after the coming on board of this current management, that accreditation exercise took place and the Government of Oyo State gave us all the support in terms of finance, infrastructure and facilities.
We were able to accredit 35 complete programmes, 3 new programmes and 5 for resources accreditation. In all, we had about 41 programmes being accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and there were no problems with our accreditation exercise. Very soon, we are gearing up for another accreditation.
Does studying Engineering at The Polytechnic Ibadan equip students with practical skills?
The Polytechnic Ibadan is a specialised institution. Yes, we have many instruments that enable our students to learn, we have workshops with a lot of equipment where they can learn the practical aspect of their course of study. In our institution, there is no place for rote learning.
In all aspects of our Engineering courses ranging from Electrical to Mechanical, our students are exposed both to the theoretical and practical aspects of it and because of this feat, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) had to establish the Skill Development Acquisition Centre in Poly Ibadan for artisans like carpenters, mechanics, bricklayers and others to learn.
Recently, we have extended our hands of fellowship to these artisans for learning and certification because it will improve the quality of the work they are doing.
What are the admission criteria for students?
The criteria are that a student must possess five credits at O Level including English and Mathematics and our school fee is affordable.
Can you clarify the rumour that classrooms hold about 2000 students?
That is not possible. It is a misconception and in each course of study, we have the National Diploma, Higher National Diploma both at full time and part time. We also have the weekend and evening classes and each level has a minimum number of students that can be in a classroom. For those promoting such rumours, they are permitted to visit the school for first-hand information.
How have you addressed hooliganism and discipline issues on campus?
We operate an internal management system, with the administrators who are very familiar with the nooks and crannies of the institution. Several internal mechanisms have been put in place to effectively check hooliganism.
One of our major achievements is the promotion arrears. We approached the former Commissioner of Education, Prof Saliu to seek approval for the release of the promotion benefits for members of staff as a form of motivation and we were able to achieve this.
In addition, many outstanding debts owed by the institution were cleared. These included debts owed to the IBEDC, diesel vendors, PMS suppliers and other vendors. We held meetings with the vendors and agreed to offset the bills with the payment of 10 million per month. With prudent financial management, we were able to clear the debts within three months.
Furthermore, we were able to restore light to the campus because for close to a year, there was no light on the campus. Now, research is going on without interruptions.
I also assumed the role of Chief Administrator for fuel management and put in a strict mechanism to monitor fuel distribution and block leakages.
Moreover, a new regulation was introduced stating that any student caught engaging in hooliganism and cultism would be tagged as a notorious cult member and expelled outright. Their photographs will also be placed at the department to serve as a deterrent to others.
These are some of the measures put in place by the management to promote peace and stability within the institution.
What has been your relationship with the Engr Seyi Makinde-led administration and the challenges faced?
The relationship is very cordial and our Governor loves the Polytechnic, Ibadan. The Governor is ready to support the growth of the institution. The Governor graciously supported the institution during the recent accreditation exercise.
The challenge at hand now is that we need more funds to put things in place.
Do you support the continuation of JAMB as a National Examination Body?
Yes, JAMB should stay.
Can you share any embarrassing moments while serving as rector?
One of the worst moments is when the student planned protests overnight because the governor wanted to change the name of the Polytechnic Ibadan to Omololu Olunloyo. I do not want to dwell more on it. Let’s leave it for the Governor to decide.
Do you have a message for your students?
The Polytechnic, Ibadan, is one of the renowned polytechnics in the world and our students are excelling in all areas of human endeavour.
