Former students of the Department of Mass Communication at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, donated a 3.15KWP solar power system to the institution on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
The former students, under the umbrella of the Association of Student Communicators 2003/04 Set, Class of Presidents, made the donation to the school premises as part of activities marking their 20th year since graduating from the institution.
The ex-students, many of whom are currently making their mark in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising, and other areas, later gathered at the Rotary House in Iyaganku, Ibadan, for the grand finale of the 20th anniversary celebrations.
At the project inauguration, the set’s President, Rotimi Wusu, noted that the project was necessitated by the poor electricity supply at the institution, an issue they had experienced during their time at the school.
He then encouraged current students to seize the opportunities available to them, which he and his peers did not have, while also urging them to leverage social media to amplify their voices and drive change.
He told the students to “transform the narrative, create meaningful changes in the polytechnic and within the Mass Communication Department. Strive for excellence, absorb all you can in school, and let your light shine beyond these walls.”
The Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun, who was the special guest of honour at the event, applauded the former students for giving back to their alma mater.
Olatubosun, who was a lecturer in the same department, described the set as the “Set of Achievers,” emphasising the importance of giving back to one’s institution of learning.
The polytechnic’s acting Rector, Dr Taiwo Lasisi, in his address, thanked the former students and noted that the set had provided a solution to a major problem the institution faces: power supply.
“This gift is given to the management, not just to the Mass Communication Department. We hope that other sets from other departments can also engage with this initiative and give back to the management,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Head of the Mass Communication Department, Dr Olusoji Olatunji, expressed appreciation to the set for giving back to their roots.
