From Mandate to Milestone: A Chronicle of Holistic Transformation and First-Half Assessment of FEDPOFFA Rector’s Administration

By Malik Salaudeen Obama

To chronicle the stewardship of our Digital Rector is to endeavor to measure the immeasurable: it is an exercise in capturing grace under pressure and quantifying the profound impact of visionary leadership. The task is formidable, not for a lack of material, but because his profound impact on the Polytechnic extends beyond concrete achievements into the very ethos of the community. How does one adequately capture the essence of a leader whose magnanimity has revitalized an institution? This narrative is a subtle effort to preserve for posterity the scale of his contributions, undertaken on behalf of a profoundly grateful community. It is an opportunity to chronicle a legacy defined by countless days and nights spent in service, a deep commitment to staff and student welfare, and an unwavering standard of excellence that has elevated the entire Offa community, and, by extension, Kwara State.

*The Leaders Character: A rare Blend of Integrity and Compassion*
The story of FEDPOFFA’s transformation is inextricably linked to the character of its helmsman. In an era where selfless service is often overshadowed by personal ambition, finding a beacon of true leadership, architecting a renaissance of innovation and excellence is a rare phenomenon. Such individuals do not merely occupy positions; they transform landscapes, redefine the institution’s trajectory for generations to come, and touch countless lives as mentors and guides. From the ancient town of Osogbo emerges one such figure: one of the brightest and finest Electrical Engineers in the Country, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin. In the annals of transformative leadership, where vision, integrity, and service converge, Dr. Kadiri stands as a luminary, a principled administrator and exemplar of mentorship who has redefined public service through an unwavering commitment to equity, innovation, and human development.

*Reflecting on Mid-term Progress and Reinforcing a Vision for Institutional Excellence*
As of this 13th day of September, 2025, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru’s administration arrived at the mid-point of its five-year mandate, a milestone following its second anniversary on April 6, 2023. With a solid foundation now firmly in place, the stage is set for the continued execution of his visionary leadership. His journey as the 5th Substantive Rector began not in the Rector’s office, nor in the hallowed halls of power, but on the open road to Abuja. On April 2, 2023, a small delegation from FEDPOFFA embarked on a trip to formally receive his appointment letter. This symbolic journey foreshadowed an administration built on motion and purpose. It was there, under the weight of the new mantra *“The Polytechnic Must Work”* that his administration laid out a vision – bold, unrelenting, and urgent. Now, over 29-month into a transformative five-year term, the institution has not just worked, it has thrived, accelerated, and broken new ground. This is the story of that progress, a narrative woven from strategic vision, collaborative effort, and a series of unprecedented achievements that extend far beyond the obvious. What the administration of Dr. Kadiri Kamoru began then was not just a new administration, but a movement, a journey of renewal.

*A Foundation Forged in Foresight and People*
The administration’s tone was set immediately. The return from Abuja was swiftly followed by a consultative session in Minna, where early strategic appointments were made, forming the core team that would drive the Rector’s agenda. The inaugural address to staff after receiving the handing-over notes from the immediate past Ag. Rector, Mr. Eghe Igbinehi on Thursday 6th, April 2023 was a clarion call for discipline, teamwork, and transparent leadership. This foundational commitment to people management has been a silent engine of progress. Beyond the publicized initial appointments of two Deputy Rectors and strategic selection of additional Principal Officers to date, the administration has diligently focused on staff welfare, understanding that a motivated workforce is the bedrock of institutional success. This has included the prompt implementation of a 13th-month salary bonus and robust support for staff development, with over 500 staff sponsored for local and international training, including a specialized program in China for the HOD of Railway Engineering. This investment in human capital has fostered a renewed sense of purpose and ownership across all cadres.

*The Architects of Progress: An Outstanding Management Team*
Central to the execution of this transformative vision has been the Rector’s exceptional ability to empower, and lead a team of distinguished intellectuals and administrators. The remarkable progress detailed in this report is the product of a synergistic leadership structure, featuring Deputy Rector (Administration) Dr. Salimonu Rasheed Ishaq; Deputy Rector (Academics) Dr. Egbele Peter Odion; Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Mr. G.O. Soko; Bursar, Mr. M.T. Yusuf; and the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Stephen Babalola. The calibre and performance of these Principal Officers stand as a powerful testament to a core leadership strength of Engr. Dr. Kadiri. While any administration is open to critique, his acumen for building, grooming, and guiding a team of such high integrity and capability is incontestable. An institutional structure that produces officers of this superlative standard is, by its very nature, a structure of exceptional quality and a lasting legacy in itself.

*The Unseen Architecture of Operational Excellence*
While new buildings rise from the ground, the most critical infrastructural upgrades have often been operational. The administration has engineered a quiet revolution in administrative efficiency. The full automation and digitization of polytechnic records developed by the Management Information System Unit (MIS)have transitioned processes from cumbersome paper-based systems to seamless, digital workflows. A first-of-its-kind application now allows lecturers to upload scores and compute grades remotely, significantly reducing administrative bottlenecks. Furthermore, strategic decisions have been made to decongest and organize the campus environment for productivity and safety. The creation of a dedicated Mammy Market and a centralized motor park, coupled with the introduction of a regulated campus shuttle service, were not merely aesthetic changes. They were deliberate steps to enhance security, reduce congestion, and create a more professional and conducive atmosphere for learning and work, a testament to a leadership that attends to both the macro and micro details of campus life.

*Beyond Accreditation: Building an Ecosystem of Innovation and Opportunity*
The historic 100% accreditation of all programs led by the former Deputy Rector (Academics) Dr. (Mrs) Mulikat Bola Aliyu is a crowning achievement, validating academic quality. But the vision extends far beyond maintaining standards. The administration is actively building a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and employability. The establishment of the Skills Development Centre (SDC) and the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) moves beyond theory, equipping students with practical, marketable skills in areas from soap-making to auto-diagnosis, fostering a generation of job creators rather than job seekers. This push for relevance is further evidenced by strategic external partnerships that are weaving FEDPOFFA into the fabric of national development. Memoranda of Understanding with bodies like the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) are not just symbolic. They are pipelines for technology transfer, localized training, and ensuring the institution’s research and curriculum directly serve industry and agricultural needs, making a “hub of solutions” more than just a slogan.

Navigating Challenges with Resolve and Compassion
The period has also been marked by significant recognition, such as the Curious TV 2025 “Rector of the Year” award and the institution’s selection as an elite pilot for the Federal Government’s Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF). Yet, these triumphs have been tempered by mortality, with the community mourning the loss of several dedicated staff members. In response, management’s organization of a unifying interfaith memorial showcased a deep commitment to communal welfare and solidarity, revealing a leadership style that balances strong leadership with profound empathy. This same resolve was shown in addressing internal challenges, such as the NBTE-brokered resolution with staff unions, adopting a “Partners in Progress Framework” that underscores a commitment to dialogue and stability.

*The Road Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum*
From securing the historic right to host NIPOGA 2024 to the ongoing bid for NIPOSGA and the designation as a Technology Incubation Hub, the momentum at FEDPOFFA is palpable. The narrative is no longer just about stability but about aggressive, strategic advancement. The mid-term report of Engr. Dr. Kadiri’s administration is more than a list of accomplishments; it is a testament to a promise kept. It tells the story of an institution on a decisive upward trajectory, where progress is measured not only in new buildings and accreditations but also in operational efficiency, staff morale, student readiness, and strategic partnerships. It is a story of holistic transformation, firmly grounded in a vision that is reshaping FEDPOFFA into a premier hub of technological education and innovation in Nigeria. The journey from Kere-aje continues, and the Polytechnic is indeed working better than ever before.

*For enquiries, the writer can be reached at malikobama1975@gmail.com. The views expressed herein are solely those of the author*

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