Kwara State Polytechnic is emerging as a modern institution ready for the digital age under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's leadership, according to Mallam Saadu Salahu, the Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Kwara State Governor.

Salahu stated this at a media parley organised by the Polytechnic's Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies.

Salahu highlighted the transformation of the institution, describing the current administration's efforts as "redefining the future of the school through purposeful governance."

He recalled that the Polytechnic, established in 1971 by the then military governor, Colonel David Bamigboye (rtd), was intended to provide technical and entrepreneurial skills to indigenes of the state. However, before 2019, the institution faced severe challenges including decaying infrastructure, poor funding, and low staff morale.

Salahu painted a stark picture of the past, saying: "The Polytechnic was like a vehicle with deflated tyres and a knocked engine."

According to him, the AbdulRazaq administration has placed education at the centre of its development agenda. Salaries are now paid promptly, staff welfare has improved, and billions of naira have been invested in sustainable development rather than temporary fixes.

Salahu noted that over 600 schools have been constructed or renovated across the 193 wards of the state, alongside the establishment of a University of Education to strengthen teacher training.

He also highlighted innovations such as the KwaraLEARN initiative, smart schools, and investments in digital literacy and artificial intelligence as avenues preparing the state's youths for the global digital economy.

"These are deliberate policies to mainstream our young people into the future," he said.

Speaking specifically on the School, Salahu said the Polytechnic now has seven academic institutes and 88 departments, ranking fourth among state-owned polytechnics in Nigeria.

He attributed the progress to targeted government interventions and the leadership of the Rector, Dr. Jimoh Abdul, which included completing abandoned projects, improving campus security, and reducing school fees.

"KWARAPOLY is now more affordable, safer, and more conducive for learning. Staff morale has improved, and the institution is reclaiming its place as an incubator of technical and academic excellence," Salahu said.

He also celebrated the global achievements of the Polytechnic's alumni, including Professor J.O. Amupitan (SAN), Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mrs. Maryam Masud Oniye, a UN-recognised Green Innovator, and Daudu Olabode, an internationally recognised student content creator.

He described KWARAPOLY as "a breeding ground for talent across creative industries, public service, business, and media."

Addressing students of Strategic Communication and Media Studies, Salahu urged them to uphold professionalism and ethical conduct, emphasising their role in shaping public perception.

"You are definers of reality. What people wear, drive, buy, and even who wins elections are largely influenced by strategic communication," he said.

Salahu further advised students to avoid cultism, cybercrime, and drug abuse to safeguard their future careers.

He called on alumni to support the Polytechnic through investments in infrastructure and digital advancement, adding that sustained backing is essential for the institution's transformation.

"The journey we have started is not an endpoint. It is a foundation," he said.

Salahu expressed optimism that KWARAPOLY's elevation to a University of Technology is now within reach.

Represented by the Director of Special Services, Mrs. Rodihat Yahaya, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajiya Sa'adatu Modibbo-Kawu, praised the initiative for equipping students for greater opportunities and commended their contributions to the institution's development.

Dr. Ghali Alaya, Chairman of the occasion and former Non-Executive Director of NNPC, commended the Polytechnic's management for safeguarding its facilities and urged students to leverage their education for a purposeful life.

The Rector, Dr. Abdul Jimoh, disclosed that the state government has approved the perimeter fencing of the institution to curb challenges from land grabbers, a move that further secures the Polytechnic's future.