From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The National President, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti Alumni Association, Dr Oyedokun Abiodun, has expressed concern over the destruction of facilities in the institution following a rainstorm that wreaked havoc on the school last Friday.
Abiodun who lamented that facilities worth millions of naira were destroyed by the rainstorm, noted that similar incident occurred last year making the current situation more critical and demanding urgent intervention.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, Organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians, to support the institution to restore a conducive learning environment and forestall the disruption of academic activities.
The National Alumni President, in a statement made available in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, said, “It is disheartening to hear about the devastating rainstorm that has once again struck our esteemed alma mata in April 18. The damage inflicted upon our beloved institution is extensive, as numerous buildings and vital teaching equipment, classrooms, hostels, laboratories, offices, ICT infrastructure, and electric poles, suffered damage estimated in several hundred millions of naira.
“While we are profoundly grateful that no lives were lost, the impact on the learning environment and the well-being of our students are also areas of concern.. This recent catastrophe follows a similar incident last year, making the current situation even more critical and demanding immediate intervention.
” We make a passionate plea to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to extend his compassionate support to our institution during this challenging time.
” We also call on the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, to come to the aid of our Polytechnic, recognising the pivotal role it plays in the educational landscape of our state.
“We also implore the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, to promptly assess the damage and provide the necessary resources for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of our facilities.
“The discomfort and anxiety experienced by our students during this period are palpable. In light of this, I make a special appeal to all mothers across Nigeria, using our esteemed mother, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a beacon of compassion and a point of reference. We humbly request your kind intervention and support to alleviate the hardship faced by our students”.
The Alumni President who commended members for past supports to the school, appealed to them, saying, “Now, more than ever, we implore you to come to our aid and contribute generously towards rebuilding our Polytechnic. To those alumni who have previously made pledges, we earnestly request that you fulfill these commitments to enable us to expedite the recovery process”
Abiodun who said that the polytechnic community could not overcome the challenge alone, extended appeals for support to private companies, non-governmental organisations, development agencies, philanthropic individuals among others.
“Your timely assistance will not only restore our infrastructure, but also reinstate a conducive learning environment for our students, ensuring the continuation of their academic pursuits without undue disruption.
“We are confident that with the collective support of the government, our esteemed alumni, compassionate mothers across Nigeria, and other well-meaning organisations, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti will rise again stronger and more resilient,” the Alumni President said.