By Emmanuel Kehinde, Ilorin
Kwara State Polytechnic’s Certificate is now being printed abroad by a reputable printing outfit, containing at least eight hidden security features to protect its integrity and make it forge proof.
Disclosing this on Tuesday in Ilorin, the state capital, at a press briefing marking the 27th combined convocation ceremony of the institution, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammed, opined that this was meant to assist in providing a lasting solution to the issue of certificate racketeering in the Polytechnic by fraudulent elements, adding that the first set of the certificates was issued to 2019/2020 set of graduates of the Polytechnic.
The Rector said the Polytechnic has resuscitated the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB), an examination for both Advanced Level and Ordinary Level programmes in continuation of Management’s efforts to restore the lost glory of the Institution, pointing out that the programme has been stopped for more than a decade.
He further disclosed that that the polytechnic’s Radio frequency would soon be in operation, having acquired a licence from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
“We have procured the transmitter; Dipc
Antena and construction of Mast to enable the Station commence operation very soon. This is one of the key requirements for HND accreditation in Mass Communication,” Muhammed added.
,
According to Muhammed, other achievements recorded by the Management during the period under review include renovation of 11 staff quarters, watersupply light, provision of WIFI for internet connectivity, and operations of the polytechnic bakery and bottled /sachet water project.
Despite the modest achievements recorded, the Rector, said the institution has a number of challenges, including encroachment on the land of the institution.
He said: “It is very disgusting to report that most of the important land facilities, including the training farm, have been taken over by land encroachers. Illegal private houses meters to classrooms, sports arena and other Polytechnic facilities, staff club in the center of illegal private buildings, staff quarters are immediate neighbours to private buildings.
“We therefore call for immediate intervention of the Polytechnic Visitor to find lasting solution to this illegality which threatens peace on the campus
and limits future expansion of the institution.”
Other challenges, he said, include funding, aging structures, accreditation of programmes and security.
