The Oyo State Government has approved the appointment of substantive principal officers for The Polytechnic, Ibadan, bringing to an end more than two decades of acting appointments in the institution’s top management positions.
The appointments, approved by Governor Seyi Makinde, mark a significant milestone in the institution’s administration, with officials expected to provide stable leadership and drive academic and administrative reforms over the next five years.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who said the governor had given approval for the successful candidates to assume office in substantive capacities.
According to the statement, Dr. Lasisi Taiwo Abideen was appointed as Rector, Dr. Olajide Taiwo Sherifat as Registrar, Adegbola Abiodun Kolawole as Bursar, while Osunrinade Olukunle Akinbola was appointed Librarian.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Olusegun Olayiwola, explained that the appointments followed a transparent and competitive recruitment process in line with established procedures for filling principal offices in tertiary institutions.
He said the exercise commenced with a public advertisement published in national newspapers, inviting qualified candidates to apply before the institution’s Governing Council conducted a comprehensive screening and interview process.
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According to Olayiwola, the selection exercise was supervised by the Governing Council of the institution, chaired by Prof. Lanre Nassar, who ensured that merit, competence and due process guided the appointments.
He noted that the institution had operated with principal officers in acting capacities since 2005, making the latest appointments the first substantive ones in about 21 years.
The commissioner described the development as a major step towards strengthening institutional governance, improving administrative efficiency and ensuring continuity in the management of one of Nigeria’s oldest polytechnics.
He congratulated the newly appointed principal officers and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating integrity, professionalism and visionary leadership in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Olayiwola also charged them to work closely with the Governing Council, staff and students to enhance academic excellence, improve service delivery and consolidate the institution’s reputation as a leading centre for technical and vocational education.
According to the state government, the appointments took effect from July 31, 2026, and each of the officers will serve a single five-year tenure in accordance with the institution’s governing regulations.
The appointments are expected to provide stability in the administration of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, while supporting the Oyo State Government’s broader commitment to strengthening higher education and improving governance across state-owned tertiary institutions.
