Graceland Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, held its 7th Matriculation Ceremony in a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere, marking another significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey.
The event, hosted at the Polytechnic’s main campus, welcomed a new cohort of students into its various National Diploma (ND) programmes.
It was attended by newly admitted students, parents, members of staff, top government officials, and distinguished guests, all gathered to celebrate academic excellence and the promise of future success.
In his welcome address, the Rector of the institution, Dr. Lateef Olatunji Ademola (FCA), mni, emphasized the importance of academic discipline, integrity, and personal development.
He encouraged the fresh students to focus on their studies, embrace leadership opportunities, and take full advantage of the institution’s enabling environment.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Adetola Ariyike Salau, Special Adviser on Education, Policy Formulation, and Human Capital Development to the Kwara State Government.
Speaking on the theme, “Unlocking Potential: Matriculation 2025”, Dr. Salau presented a powerful and thought-provoking message anchored on her signature framework—Think, Tinker, Thrive.
“Potential is not a promise; it is a possibility,” she told the audience. She also urged students to think critically about the world around them, tinker through experimentation and practical innovation, and thrive by creating scalable solutions to real-world problems.
Dr. Salau’s address drew from her extensive work with education-focused initiatives such as the STEAM UP Kwara Bootcamp, further inspiring the students to become change-makers and problem-solvers in their communities.
The event also featured the administration of the matriculation oath, a formal induction of students into the Graceland academic community.
The oath was administered by Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, former Commissioner for Education in Lagos State and a member of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council. The students pledged to uphold the values and integrity of the institution throughout their academic pursuits.
The matriculating students were admitted into key disciplines including Accountancy, Building Technology, Business Administration, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Library and Information Science, Mass Communication, Public Health, Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), and Statistics.
This year’s ceremony was particularly momentous, coinciding with the successful re-accreditation of all academic programmes by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), reaffirming the institution’s adherence to national and international academic standards.
Distinguished members of the Governing Council in attendance included Mrs. Ayodele Ibironke (Chairperson), Mrs. Modupe Talabi, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, and Chief Charles Oladokun Obolanle (Registrar), alongside other key administrative staff such as Mr. Balogun (Bursar), Mr. Ajibola Olayemi (Deputy Registrar, General Admin), Dr. A.K. Lawal (Deputy Registrar, Academics), and various Deans across Schools and Faculties.
Also present were Dr. (Mrs.) Mulikat Aliyu, Deputy Rector (Academics), Federal Polytechnic Offa, who represented the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, and Mrs. Justina Ebere, Principal Assistant Pastor, among other dignitaries.
