The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has charged newly admitted students of Impact Polytechnic to embrace academic excellence with determination and resilience, emphasizing its role in shaping their future and the nation’s development.
Speaking at the institution’s maiden matriculation ceremony, the Oyo State Director of NOA, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, delivered a powerful lecture urging students to remain committed to their studies despite the challenges they may encounter. She highlighted the importance of academic success, not only for personal growth but also for national progress.
Dr. Afolayan outlined various challenges that students commonly face, including time management struggles, financial constraints, academic pressure from parents and teachers, mental health concerns, and social distractions. She reassured the students that these obstacles, while daunting, can be overcome through diligence, perseverance, and effective planning.
The NOA director reiterated the agency’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and positive values among Nigerian youths. She highlighted NOA’s ongoing partnership with Impact Polytechnic and other educational institutions to promote moral and intellectual development. As an example, she cited *COMPASS*, a weekly value reorientation program broadcast on Ibadan Business Radio 92.5 FM, which aims to instill ethical values and discipline among young Nigerians.
Dr. Afolayan also called on educators, policymakers, parents, and guardians to provide the necessary support structures that would help students navigate their academic journey successfully. She encouraged the matriculants to take responsibility for their learning, stay focused, seek guidance when needed, and maintain a strong belief in their abilities.
She urged the students to make the most of their time at Impact Polytechnic, seizing opportunities for self-improvement and career advancement. By doing so, she noted, they would not only secure a bright future for themselves but also contribute meaningfully to national development.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and the Chairman of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council, Deacon Owolabi Oladejo. Parents, guardians, and family members of the matriculating students also graced the occasion, celebrating the beginning of their loved ones’ academic journey.
Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the importance of discipline, innovation, and critical thinking in modern education. They encouraged students to approach their studies with enthusiasm and to see their time at the polytechnic as a foundation for lifelong learning and professional excellence.
The matriculation ceremony marked a significant milestone for Impact Polytechnic, underscoring its commitment to producing well-rounded graduates equipped to meet the demands of the evolving global workforce.
With the NOA’s message of resilience and excellence resonating throughout the event, the new students were inspired to embrace their academic journey with confidence, fully aware of the role they play in building a better future for themselves and their country.