October 26th, 2024
By: Nu’akofu Uthman Oladimeji
Leadership in academia is no small feat; it requires vision, resilience, and decisive action. Engr. (Dr.) Abdul Jimoh Muhammad, the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, has shown these qualities in abundance since his appointment in 2019. Nicknamed the “Project Rector,” Dr. Abdul has ushered in an era of reform, setting a transformative pace for infrastructure development, academic advancement, and community-centered initiatives at the polytechnic.
Dr. Abdul inherited an institution in need. Outdated infrastructure and legacy financial issues had stymied progress. One of his first steps was tackling these challenges head-on: he introduced policies to block financial leakages, shoring up the polytechnic’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). This financial discipline enabled the launch of the KwaraPoly bottled water plant and bakery, setting the institution on a path toward self-reliance.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, a critical test of Dr. Abdul’s leadership. His administration responded by producing pedal-operated handwashing machines in-house, turning a global crisis into a local success. This move not only demonstrated Kwara State Polytechnic’s commitment to community health but also revitalized dormant equipment, a symbol of his resourceful leadership.
Under Dr. Abdul’s watch, previously neglected projects, like the long-delayed Institute of Technology (IOT) complex, finally reached completion. With the support of state resources, he transformed these once-dormant spaces into active centers for education and research, fostering an environment of progress and resilience.
Not content with physical improvements alone, he focused on developing the institution’s human resources. He secured staff training opportunities, including Kwara State Polytechnic’s first partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). Some academic staff from the Institute of Technology were sent to the Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI), Ilesha, for two months of training. He also set up a Skill Acquisition and Development Centre, facilitating training for academic staff at the Excellence Centre, NBTE, Kaduna. These forward-thinking approaches empowered the polytechnic’s workforce and elevated the quality of teaching and administrative services.
Under the leadership of Engr. Abdul, he tackled the long-standing issue of students’ safety by implementing laudable plans, one of which was the complete renovation of the students’ hostels, abandoned for nine years by past administrations. He ensured the hostels met modern standards and were equipped with essential facilities for comfort, including 24-hour stable solar light, a solar-powered borehole, 24-hour internet connectivity, clean restrooms, and well-furnished common rooms with entertainment devices such as television and decoders.
Dr. Abdul’s influence extended beyond campus boundaries, too. Through a link to the 33KV Harmony Feeder, he secured a steady power supply for the polytechnic and surrounding communities. This infrastructure upgrade has been instrumental in advancing the institution’s operations and supporting community welfare. Additionally, he facilitated the completion of the roundabout hostels, which had been abandoned for years, with support from TETFUND and the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq-led administration.
Dr. Abdul also prioritized the working environment. Under his direction, staff offices were modernized, outfitted with new furniture, internet connectivity, and other amenities, creating a workspace that supports productivity and satisfaction. Improvements to lecture halls, with new seating and enhanced facilities, have likewise elevated the student experience.
Addressing long-standing administrative backlogs, Dr. Abdul’s administration completed overdue promotions and recognitions dating back to 2017, restoring morale and recognizing the dedication of faculty and staff. Meanwhile, campus beautification projects, including landscaping and the creation of a horticultural garden, have enhanced the institution’s aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability.
Financial innovation has also marked Dr. Abdul’s tenure. The establishment of the Kwarapoly Microfinance Bank has bolstered the institution’s economic resilience while supporting the surrounding community, an initiative reflecting his emphasis on economic sustainability and local impact.
One of Dr. Abdul’s most profound contributions has been in the field of healthcare. He spearheaded the establishment of a state-of-the-art Medical Diagnostic Centre, equipped with hematology analyzers, ECG machines, and ultrasound technology, placing Kwara State Polytechnic’s health services among the best in the region. The polytechnic’s health center was revitalized with a full pharmacy, maternity ward, and dental clinic, ensuring comprehensive healthcare for students and staff and establishing the institution as a hub of medical support for the wider community.
Dr. Abdul’s emphasis on hands-on, industry-standard education is evident in the transformation of academic departments. Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics and Food Science and Technology have been equipped with advanced laboratory tools, and the creation of a ruminant animal farm for the Agricultural Technology Department has provided students with practical, real-world experience. These initiatives reflect Dr. Abdul’s commitment to meeting the standards set by the National Board for Technical Education, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their professions.
Embracing technology, Dr. Abdul introduced the Centralized Online Research Assessment and Submission System (CORASS), a pioneering platform that streamlines project submissions, enhances research quality, and integrates plagiarism detection and digital project binding. The CORASS platform has positioned Kwara State Polytechnic at the forefront of digital academic administration in Nigeria.
As Kwara State Polytechnic moves forward, Dr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammad’s legacy is clear: he has not only completed projects but transformed the institution itself, setting a new standard for leadership in higher education. Across every corner of the polytechnic, the “Project Rector’s” impact endures—a testament to his vision and dedication to a brighter, bolder future for Nigerian academia.