THE POLYTECHNIC IBADAN: A Turnaround Story Under The Pragmatic Leadership Of Dr Taiwo Lasisi As Acting Rector || Adelabu Adeola

Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi’s tenure as Acting Rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan has been marked by significant transformations, despite inheriting a multitude of challenges. His commitment to the welfare of staff and students has been unwavering, prioritizing their needs and ensuring a conducive learning environment.

Under the Lasisi-led management, the welfare of students and staff have been focal points of the administration. Being a former Dean of Students, Dr Lasisi has proven himself as a listening leader who is proactive in preventing and managing disputes. Thus, he has continuously engaged the leadership off staff and students unions ensuring their needs are met without disruptive agitations. This has earned him the respect of all stakeholders in the institution. Dr Lasisi inherited an inconclusive 2023 promotion exercise, with a lot of outstanding payments due to members of staff, including claims on affiliate programmes. However, he promptly addressed these issues, ensuring staff receive their promotions and payments on time. Salaries and claims are now paid promptly, aligning with Governor Seyi Makinde’s policy. This has not only boosted morale among staff but also increased productivity, as staff are now more motivated to deliver their best.

Dr. Lasisi has also made significant strides in enhancing security on campus. Upon assumption of office, he declared security as a top priority and engaged with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive security plan. As a result of these strategic engagements and proactive measures, the reign of terror that previously plagued the institution has been curtailed, and security skirmishes have become a thing of the past. This has created a safe and secure environment for students and staff to learn and work.

Furthermore, Dr. Lasisi has prioritized the improvement of the institution’s infrastructure. He carried out a situation report of learning infrastructure on campus and commenced immediate repair of lecture rooms and laboratories. The institution has also embarked on the provision of ergonomic benches and tables, ensuring that students can learn in a conducive and comfortable setting. This focus on infrastructure development has not only enhanced the learning experience but also increased the institution’s capacity to deliver quality education.

In addition to these achievements, Dr. Lasisi has also made significant progress in resolving the institution’s energy conundrum. Upon assumption of office, he inherited an institution that had been cut off from the national grid due to indebtedness. However, he promptly inaugurated a multi-disciplinary Energy Management Committee with a mandate to find a lasting solution to the problem. Not only has power been restored, but prepaid meters have also been installed in staff quarters and other locations on campus, simplifying the power vending system.

Dr. Lasisi has also transformed the institution’s environment, declaring a state of emergency on environmental management upon assumption of office. The institution’s environment has been transformed, with the purchase of necessary machinery and regular maintenance ensuring a tidy and safe environment. This has not only improved the aesthetic appeal of the institution but also created a conducive environment for learning and work.

Finally, Dr. Lasisi’s leadership has facilitated external support and partnerships, including donations from former students and the establishment of a promising partnership with Florida International University. This partnership offers opportunities for grants, sponsored conferences, and exchange programs, further enhancing the institution’s capacity to deliver quality education.

Given his impressive achievements, it is imperative that Governor Seyi Makinde confirms Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi as the substantive Rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan. This confirmation will be a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Lasisi’s efforts and a testament to the institution’s commitment to excellence. As the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammed Abiodun Fadeyi, aptly stated and moved during the institution last convocation held last two weeks.

Dr. Lasisi’s leadership has been instrumental in addressing the institution’s perennial problems, and it is now time to solidify his position and enable him to continue driving positive changes