By Olayinka Iroye
The Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, continues to shine as a model of innovation, excellence, and integrity in Nigeria’s higher education sector. Long celebrated for its commitment to both character and learning, the institution has in recent years consolidated its position as the foremost and fastest-growing Polytechnic in Nigeria and the entire Sub-Saharan Africa.
Despite unfounded rumours recently circulated online in a deliberate attempt to malign the reputation of its students and staff, the Polytechnic stands tall on its enviable record of achievements and continues to be recognized nationwide for its developmental strides, discipline, and transformative contributions to education and community growth.
One of the most remarkable recent feats of the institution was its hosting of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games Association (NIPOGA). The 21st edition of the event, held in Offa, was adjudged the best in history, not just for the quality of competition but also for the Polytechnic’s world-class infrastructure, excellent security architecture, and unmatched hospitality.
The event attracted participants from across Nigeria and received widespread commendation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), sports officials, and visiting institutions.
Following this exceptional success, the Federal Government of Nigeria appointed The Federal Polytechnic Offa as the Sports Centre of Excellence for the entire North-Central Zone of the country. This prestigious designation underscores the Polytechnic’s leadership role in youth development, physical education, and sports innovation. The institution now enjoys representation on the Federal Government Committee on Sports Development, a testament to its national relevance and administrative capacity.
In further recognition of its academic excellence and commitment to innovation, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology established an Incubation Technology Centre at The Federal Polytechnic Offa, the only Polytechnic in Nigeria to be so honoured.
This Centre is designed to promote technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and product development, bridging the gap between classroom learning and industrial application. Through this initiative, the Polytechnic has positioned itself as a hub for technological advancement, nurturing creative talents among students and providing a fertile ground for collaboration with industries and research institutions.
This honour further cements The Federal Polytechnic Offa’s reputation as a leader in applied science and technology education in Nigeria.
Just days ago, the Polytechnic achieved yet another major milestone by successfully presenting 81 academic programmes for Accreditation, Resource Inspection, and Carrying Capacity Evaluation to the NBTE Quality Assurance Team. This massive exercise, which covers virtually all departments and disciplines, demonstrates the institution’s commitment to academic quality, institutional integrity, and expansion of learning opportunities for Nigerian youths.
The NBTE exercise further underscores Management’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that all its programmes meet global standards, both in content and delivery. The Polytechnic’s leadership, under the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kamoru Oluwatoyin Kadiri, has continued to invest in staff development, infrastructure, ICT, and student support systems to make The Federal Polytechnic Offa a centre of excellence in all ramifications.
The Federal Polytechnic Offa’s impact goes far beyond the classroom. Its graduates continue to distinguish themselves in various sectors both locally and internationally.
Recently, a graduate of the institution, Olaniyan Segun Damilola, bagged the prestigious President’s NYSC Honours Award for outstanding performance, innovation, and sterling qualities during his national service year. This recognition is one of Nigeria’s highest honours for youth excellence and a strong testament to the Polytechnic’s ability to produce graduates of distinction and integrity.
Similarly, another proud alumnus, Ms. Olatomiwa Williams, was recently appointed as the Microsoft Middle East and Africa Growth Manager, a position that highlights not only her personal excellence but also the global calibre of professionals The Federal Polytechnic Offa continues to nurture.
These achievements reflect the Polytechnic’s unwavering commitment to developing graduates who excel both in character, learning and competence, representing Nigeria positively on the world stage.
The Federal Polytechnic Offa remains not only a citadel of learning but also a community of discipline and uprightness. The institution maintains zero tolerance for social vices, including cultism, cybercrime, examination malpractice, and indecent behaviour.
Through its Student Affairs Directorate, Counseling Unit, and various social programmes, it continues to mold students who embody the values of integrity, diligence, and patriotism.
The Polytechnic’s role in community development cannot be overstated. Through the Entrepreneurship Development Centre, youth empowerment programmes, and partnerships with local industries, the institution contributes actively to job creation and human capital development in Kwara State and beyond.
From world-class sports facilities to cutting-edge laboratories, from entrepreneurial empowerment to ICT advancement, The Federal Polytechnic Offa is setting new standards for Polytechnic education in Nigeria. Its track record of success, innovation, and discipline speaks louder than any fabricated story or baseless rumour.
As the Polytechnic continues to grow in reputation and relevance, it remains firmly guided by its founding vision, to produce technically skilled, morally upright, and socially responsible graduates who will contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Federal Polytechnic Offa’s achievements are not products of chance but of purposeful leadership, visionary planning, and collective dedication. The Management, staff, and students continue to work together to sustain the institution’s rising profile as Nigeria’s leading Polytechnic, a place where character meets competence and excellence meets innovation.