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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora, has matriculated 1,996 students into its National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session, with a strong warning against cultism, gangsterism and other acts of indiscipline.
The Rector of the institution, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, gave the warning during the college’s 17th matriculation ceremony held on Wednesday at the institution.
Addressing the fresh students, Akinlabi urged them to remain focused on their studies and avoid activities capable of truncating their academic pursuits, stressing that the institution would not tolerate any form of misconduct.
He said the newly admitted students must imbibe the virtues of hard work, discipline, dedication and determination to succeed in their academic journey.
“Let me inform you that out of thousands of applicants who applied for admission into various National Diploma programmes, 1,393 applicants were offered admission into full-time and part-time ND programmes, while 603 applicants were admitted into full-time and part-time Higher National Diploma programmes,” he said.
According to him, the total number of students admitted into the institution for the 2025/2026 academic session is 1,996.
The rector described the institution as one that places high premium on practical training, entrepreneurship development, skills acquisition, research and community service.
He noted that since attaining full polytechnic status in April 2016, the institution has continued to strengthen its manpower and facilities to enhance effective teaching, research and general administration.
Akinlabi explained that the vision of the institution is to become a centre of excellence in agriculture, technology and management through the training of innovative and self-reliant youths who would contribute to food sufficiency and national development.
He also highlighted agribusiness as a sector with enormous potential, noting that the institution has placed strong emphasis on agribusiness education and training.
The rector therefore encouraged students and stakeholders to explore the vast opportunities within the sector.
Akinlabi further disclosed that the institution has recorded several achievements and collaborations, including the commencement of degree programmes in partnership with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), for Higher National Diploma holders and direct entry candidates seeking to obtain university degrees.
He added that the college has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, for the running of degree programmes at OYSCATECH.
According to him, all National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes offered by the institution have received full accreditation.
He also revealed that the college received four interventions from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in 2025 and has established a well-equipped Information and Communication Technology centre used for Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Tests and training.
The rector noted that the institution has benefited from donations from the Federal Government, including a demonstration farm and farm centre donated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security also donated garri and fufu processing factories to the institution.
Akinlabi said the college has also partnered with the Corporate and Social Development Agency for the completion of a model village project now in use.
He disclosed that the institution is collaborating with several international organisations, including Soilless, the International Centre for Research and Agricultural Development (CIRAD) in France, Apple Village establishment and the Cassava Value Added Association for bio-ethanol production.
According to him, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have also shown interest in supporting the institution through infrastructural interventions.
The rector also appreciated the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his support for the institution and for ensuring the regular payment of workers’ salaries.
Earlier, the Registrar of the institution, Mr. R.F.A. Adeniji, who was represented by the Deputy Registrar (Personnel), Mr. Olajire Gbadamosi, administered the matriculation oath on the new students, who pledged to abide by the rules and regulations of the institution.
