The Acting Rector of Ibadan Polytechnic, Dr Taiwo Lasisi, has charged newly admitted students of the institution to embrace hard work, discipline and lawful conduct to ensure academic success.
Lasisi gave the charge in Ibadan on Thursday at the 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony of the institution.
He told the new students that the matriculation ceremony marked the formal entry into higher education, noting that the journey from admission to graduation would be rigorous and competitive.
“The journey to make distinction or upper credit starts with you; You must work hard to earn your diploma in flying colours, otherwise, you may graduate with poor grades or drop out entirely.
“You must avoid all sorts of negative attitudes that would lump you with gangs that would destroy your future,” he said.
The acting rector warned students against cultism, violence, thuggery and association with unlawful groups, stressing that the institution had zero tolerance for such activities.
According to him, minor offences would attract suspension, while major offences would be referred to law enforcement agencies for prosecution and possible jail terms.
Lasisi also cautioned students to take their course registration seriously, stressing that payment of school fees alone does not confer studentship.
“Any student who fails to register properly is not a student of the Polytechnic, Ibadan; Many students have lost their studentship or spent extra semesters due to negligence in registration,” he said.
He urged students to seek help from course coordinators and the Students’ Affairs Directorate when faced with challenges, rather than resorting to social media or radio programmes.
The acting rector appealed to parents and guardians to monitor their wards closely, noting that students’ behaviour on campus often reflected their home training.
He assured the students that the institution had adequate facilities to support academic and social life, including well-stocked libraries, equipped departments and sporting facilities.
Lasisi also highlighted some notable alumni of the institution, including traditional rulers, business leaders, sports icons and politicians, adding that the polytechnic aims at showcasing the new students as future leaders.
He expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for his continuous support to the institution, describing him as a committed visitor of the polytechnic.
Lasisi expressed optimism that they would return in the next two years to celebrate their graduation.
