The Vice Chairman of the Governing Council at Ronik Polytechnic, Adeola Olubanjo, has charged matriculating students to prioritise integrity and avoid distractions. He emphasised that the matriculation ceremony signifies a call to responsibility rather than mere festivities.
"Matriculation is more than wearing gowns and taking pictures; it’s a responsibility for you. You are taking responsibility from today to be a student of Ronik Polytechnic and that you are going to uphold the values and qualities of the polytechnic," Olubanjo stated.
Representing the visitor, Chris Alabi, at the 20th matriculation ceremony in Ejigbo, Lagos, Olubanjo highlighted the institution's focus on technological advancement. He revealed that the polytechnic employed a Deputy Rector with a PhD in Technology to drive specialisation.
"We believe in technology. In fact, that’s why we went out to bring our deputy rector, who has a PhD in technology, and he has been enhancing our effort to specialise in the area of technology," he noted.
"We are equipping our laboratories, putting in more equipment, and making our students follow all the things that are going on around the tech world; so our school is really rooted in technology," he added.
Acting Rector, Dr Abiodun Olafenwa, disclosed that the institution is intensifying efforts to foster a culture of innovation. He explained that the polytechnic is transitioning from a tuition dependent model to a multi revenue knowledge hub through strategic reforms.
Olafenwa stressed that the institution aims to equip students with practical skills to become job creators. He noted that academic programmes are designed to reflect emerging global demands.
"Globally, higher education institutions are no longer defined solely by classroom teaching. They are increasingly becoming innovation ecosystems where knowledge meets industry, where research drives economic solutions, and where graduates are equipped not only to seek jobs but to create them," Olafenwa observed.
The Rector urged the students to embrace entrepreneurship as a means to uplift communities. Olubanjo further revealed that entrepreneurship operates as a distinct department in the institution. He cited the fashion design facility as a step to encourage students to produce Nigerian brands.
