The Public Administration Department (PAD), Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora has celebrated its 10th Anniversary as a department in grand style.
The 10th Anniversary of Public Administration Department which coincided with the National Association of Public Administration Students (NAPADS) Week was well attended by the Principal Officers of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora which include; the Rector, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, Deputy Rector, Dr. Wasiu Raheem, the Registrar, Mr. R.F.A Adeniji represented by Mr. Olajire Gbadamosi, and the Bursar, Mr. Modupe Ogundapo.
The Anniversary which commenced with hospital visitation and donation of essential drugs to the OYSCATECH Health Centre also featured excursion to the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, Costume and Cultural Day, Comic Football Match between Alumni and Lecturers and Awards to Eminent Personalities.
In his address, the Head of Department, Mr. Abiodun Badmus revealed that the department is excited to celebrate the achievements recorded in the last ten years which include; production of 2,318 National Diploma Students and 555 Higher National Diploma Students who are doing well in their various endeavours.
He revealed that PAD remains a departments to beat in OYSCATECH having produced 63 graduates with distinction, two Students Union Presidents, two General Secretaries, five Presidents at Faculty Association (FAMACOSA) level coupled with four trophies, won at Students Union Government level.
He commended the departmental brain boxes – the lecturers who have been impacting the students positively, while appreciating both past and present Management of the institution for their regular support.
In his response, the Rector, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi applauded the Public Administration Department for keeping the Institution’s flag flying.
The Rector commended their initiative in collaborating with the Council for the Institute of Local Government and Public Administration by bringing its Professional Examination Centre to OYSCATECH and for the investiture of the Rector as Fellow of the Institute.
The NAPAD’s President, Com. Hubaidat Opeyemi expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Head of Department, Mr. Badmus Abiodun, for his exceptional leadership, mentorship, and fatherly guidance throughout their academic journey.
She also thanked the Staff Adviser, Mr. Akanmu Damola, all lecturers in the department for their invaluable support and dedication, which have been pivotal to the success of the administration, while expressing appreciation to her colleagues and fellow NAPADS members, for their resilience, unity, and collaborative efforts.
Awards were given to distinguished individuals in recognition of their contributions to the Public Administration Department as part of activities marking the 10th year anniversary.
In the former lecturer category, Mrs. Gift Akinkunmi Ilori received distinguished Academic Service Award as the only female lecturer in the department who played motherly role to many students.
Mr. Ismail Alli, a former lecturer in the department also received award of Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship for his exceptional brilliance and for being a close friend of the department and students. His donation to the department during the last accreditation exercise wherein rug, books, and a bookshelf were donated to support the department were acknowledged.
Dr. Matthew Kayode Amao, formerly a lecturer in Public Administration department but now works in the General Studies Department was honoured with Excellence Award in Teaching and Mentorship. The Department acknowledged how he was deeply loved by students for being a gentle, friendly, and approachable lecturer who rarely took offence.
In the Community Service Award Category, Mrs. Helen Opeyemi Olawore, the Deputy Registrar Public & Alumni Relations received Most Outstanding Public Relations Officer Award for her mentorship to NAPADS, particularly in communication and publicity. She was recognized for playing vital role in establishing NAPAD Press, departmental publicity group, guiding and supporting initiatives.
Also, Arc. Ayobami Matthew Ilori was honoured with Award of Excellence in Community Development for providing invaluable professional and financial assistance during the planning and construction of NAPAD Secretariat. His dedication to community development and willingness to support student initiatives was highly commended.
The Head of Department, Mr. Abiodun Badmus’s contributions as a leader, mentor, father, student advocate, and accomplished professional was equally appreciated with Award of Excellence in Leadership, while Mr. Damola Akanmu, the NAPADS Staff Adviser received the Best Student Adviser Award for his Outstanding Achievements.
Other recipients of Distinguished Academic Service Awards include; Mr. Yusuf Adeleke, Mr. Akintayo Akinyemi, Mr. Robert Olaogun, Mr. Paul Adigun, Mr. David Olanrewaju, Mr. Femi Fatumbi, Mr. Femi Obabiyi and Mr. Ibraheem Ajayi.
Outstanding Students coupled with the out-going Executives of NAPADS were also recognized for the exceptional contributions to the departments and Institution, while the new set of Executives for NAPADS were inaugurated.
The NAPADS Secretariat constructed by the Com. Hubaidat Opeyemi led administration was thereafter commissioned by the Head of Department for Public Administration, Mr Abiodun Badmus.
Speaking on behalf of awards recipients, the Public Relations Officer, Opeyemi Olawore and Deputy Director, Audit, Mr. Ismail Alli charged Public Administration Students to remain focused, diligent and good ambassadors.
Olawore, H. Opeyemi MNIPR
Public Relations Officer