By Adeyinka Adeniran
Impact School of Broadcasting and Communication, otherwise known as Impact Polytechnic, Ibadan, has officially welcomed its pioneer students with a matriculation ceremony.
The event, which took place on Thursday, marked a significant milestone for the institution, which began its academic journey in the 2024/2025 session after years of incubation.
In his address, the Acting Rector, Prince Adefemi Mapaderun, congratulated the 11 matriculants, urging them to seize the opportunities presented by the institution to shape their destinies.
Mapaderun emphasized the importance of hard work, discipline, and determination in achieving academic excellence.
He narrated how the idea of the school was conceived from a series of training, with a focus on ensuring that the products finished beyond just bagging certificates.
He said with the take off of the Polytechnic, two other ideas including: Impact Open University and Impact CBT Centre are dreams that will be realised soon.
He said, “The journey to today’s ceremony started in 2019 when after successive successful trainings in the short-term courses run by the school, it was felt that the trainings be upscaled and given the approval of the Federal Government and its relevant educational arms.
“And, as it has always happened in this environment which is called the palace of dreams, the idea started concretizing and before long it took a life of its own.
“And to all the matriculating students, let me remind you that you have, today, begun a journey into your future and destiny. What do you want to make of it?”
The guest lecturer, State Director, National Orientation Agency, Oyo State, Dr. Kemi Afolayan, delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “Youths and the Challenges of Academic Excellence.”
Afolayan charged the students to develop a growth mindset, set clear goals, and cultivate a conducive learning environment to overcome the challenges of academic excellence.
Also, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade in a remark commended the institution’s founder, Deacon Oladejo Owolabi, for his vision and commitment to providing quality education.
Oyelade encouraged the students to be curious, innovative, and entrepreneurial, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning in achieving success.
The founder of the institution, Deacon Oladejo Owolabi, reiterated his commitment to providing a supportive learning environment that fosters academic excellence, skills acquisition, and character development.
He said the vision and purpose of establishing the institution is not just the fulfillment of a dream, but the expression of a compelling vision to raise a new generation of skilled, ethical, and entrepreneurial professionals who will not only be job seekers but job creators, problem solvers, and nation builders.
Commending the pioneer students, he said they are “not just joining a polytechnic; you are becoming part of a bold experiment in excellence. The choices you make from today will define your future. Embrace discipline. Pursue knowledge with passion. Honour the values of integrity, competence, Industry and compassion.
“While we are committed to providing you with the best resources and opportunities, your success ultimately lies in your hands. You have come to a place where your potential will be challenged, your character shaped, and your talents refined. Let this be the beginning of a journey that will lead you to greatness.”
He however reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the institution “continues to grow in quality, in standards, and in impact. We will invest in modern facilities, forge partnerships with industries, and create an enabling environment for research.”
The ceremony was attended by parents, guardians, and dignitaries, including the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and the State Director, National Orientation Agency, Dr. Kemi Afolayan.
