From: Laide Raheem, Abeokuta

The Rector of the Gateway (ICT) Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, Dr. Isaiah Oyeyinka, has advised the Federal Government to explore other alternative sources of energy to tackle the perennial problem of inadequate power supply in Nigeria.

Oyeyinka, who mentioned that renewable energy such as solar, wind and others, could help the country bridge its power deficit, noted that the availability and abundance of sunlight in the country, which is the primary source of solar, should be harnessed and developed for the purpose of power generation.

He gave this advice when he spoke at the 11th matriculation ceremony for over 2,000 new students into the polytechnic for the 2016/2017 academic session.

He said though renewable energy was maintenance-free, its start-off was very expensive noting that the institution was willing to collaborate with governments at both state and federal levels, to research and develop sustainable solar energy system towards increasing power generation in Nigeria.

The Rector disclosed the Polytechnic has been able solve its power challenges to an extent by using solar energy to power the street lights, security lights and the polytechnic’s clinic.

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The Rector added the polytechnic has grown from less than 700 to over 4000 students with 25 programmes in engineering, science and technology as well as management courses, and advised the new intakes to study hard warning them to avoid social vices such as cultism and examination malpractices.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Modupe Mujota, charged the new students to roll up their sleeves and justify their parents’ investment in them.

Mujota said: “My dear freshers, this is the time to work and sweat. I charge you to delay all gratification and pleasures, concentrate on all tasks ahead of you and remember, there is no short cut to success.

“Remember, your future begins now. Above all, shun social vices like examination malpractice, cultism, sexual perversion, gambling etc, which though trending, lead nowhere but destruction”.

She, however, commended the leadership of the institution for developing the school’s infrastructure and expansion of academic programmes, despite the lean resources at its disposal.