• Super Admin
• 06 Mar, 2026

The Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora, has formally admitted new students into its National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session during its 17th matriculation ceremony. Speaking at the event, the Rector, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, urged the students to remain focused on their academic pursuits and cultivate values such as hard work, determination, dedication, and discipline to achieve success. He warned that the institution would not tolerate acts of indiscipline, including gangsterism, cultism, indecent dressing, or any form of unruly behaviour. Akinlabi disclosed that a total of 1,996 students were admitted into the institution for the academic session. "Out of thousands of applicants who qualified and applied for admission into various National Diploma programmes, 1,393 applicants have been offered admission into full-time and part-time ND programmes," he said. "In addition, 603 applicants were admitted into full-time and part-time Higher National Diploma programmes. The total number of students admitted into both ND and HND programmes, including full-time and part-time students, is 1,996 for the 2025/2026 academic session." The rector described OYSCATECH as a unique and well-respected institution that places strong emphasis on practical education, entrepreneurship training, skills acquisition, research, and community service. He noted that since the institution attained full polytechnic status in April 2016, it has continued to strengthen its manpower and facilities to support effective administration, teaching, and research. According to him, the institution's vision is to become a leading centre of excellence in agriculture, technology, and management by training youths to become innovative, self-reliant, and contributors to food sufficiency. "The education, training, and orientation you will receive here will equip you to face the challenges of life beyond the polytechnic," he said. Akinlabi also expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for his support to the institution, particularly the regular payment of staff salaries and efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector in the state. He commended the management team, union leaders, and staff members for their cooperation and dedication, especially during the recent accreditation exercise, urging them to sustain the momentum. The rector further highlighted agribusiness as a sector with vast opportunities, noting that the institution has placed strong emphasis on agribusiness education and training. He encouraged stakeholders and students to explore the enormous potential within the sector and contribute to its growth and development. Prof. Akinlabi revealed that OYSCATECH has witnessed various transformations and collaborative efforts, which include: commencement of some degree programmes of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) for those willing to top up their HND and those for direct entry to stay back and have their degrees, while the institution has equally signed all memoranda of understanding with Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, towards the running of its degree programmes in OYSCATECH. Others include: full accreditation of all ND and HND programmes, four interventions received from TETFund for 2025, and well equipped ICT centre for JAMB CBT and training. According to him, "The institution received a donation of a demonstration farm and farm centre by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, and a donation of Garri and Fufu processing factories by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. "The institution further collaborated with the Corporate and Social Development Agency, and they have assisted in the completion of the Model village, which is now in use. We have also submitted another request, which is under consideration. "We are also collaborating with international organizations like Soiless, International Centre for Research and Agricultural Development (CIRAD) France, Apple village establishment, Cassava value added Association for Bio-ethanol production and National Agricultural Land and Development Agency (NALDA) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which has also shown interest in supporting the institution via intervention on infrastructures, among others." Prof. Akinlabi hinted that very soon, the perimeter fencing of the institution will commence, while the institution is still expecting the delivery of a Toyota Hiace Bus. Earlier, the Registrar, Mr. R.F.A. Adeniji, who was represented by Mr. Olajire Gbadamosi, the Deputy Registrar Personnel, administered the matriculation oath on the fresh students who promised to abide by the rules and regulations of the institution. Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/oyscatech-admits-1996-students-at-17th-matriculation-ceremony/