The Oyo State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has congratulated Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, FNSE, FISE, FNIEEE, FIMC, the pioneer Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, on the successful completion of his tenure as the founding Rector of the institution.
The organization also celebrated the distinguished academic administrator on the conferment of the Face of Living Hero of Academic World Award 2025, his emergence as Best Rector of the Year 2025, as well as the Fiscal Discipline and Ethics Compliance Award presented by the Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation.
This commendation was contained in a statement issued on Friday, 13th March, 2026 by the General State Secretary of MURIC Oyo State Chapter, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade.
MURIC noted that when Dr. Abdul-Hameed assumed office about five years ago, the institution was still at its formative stage with minimal physical and administrative structures. However, through vision, dedication and purposeful leadership, he transformed the Polytechnic into a rapidly developing institution with visible academic and infrastructural growth.
According to the statement, the pioneer Rector demonstrated uncommon commitment by mobilizing capable professionals and deploying his experience to build a strong institutional foundation despite the numerous challenges associated with establishing a new tertiary institution.
“Within five years of focused leadership, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed presided over the development of critical physical infrastructure and human capacity that enabled the Polytechnic to commence and expand academic activities.
“Under his administration, the institution successfully introduced about fourteen academic programmes and began attracting national and global attention. Most remarkable is the development of the permanent site of the Polytechnic which has been substantially prepared for use within a short period of five years,” the statement said.
MURIC further observed that the outgoing Rector painstakingly established strong administrative structures, operational frameworks and institutional templates capable of sustaining the continuous growth and stability of the young Polytechnic long after his tenure.
The organization also commended his efforts in promoting staff welfare and institutional harmony through the establishment of staff unions to represent and protect the legitimate interests of workers within the institution.
In addition, the statement highlighted Dr. Abdul-Hameed’s commitment to manpower development, noting that several staff members benefitted from different local and international training programmes aimed at enhancing professional competence and institutional productivity.
MURIC equally acknowledged the supportive role of the institution’s Bursar, Alhaja Rashidah Oladepo, whose dedication and cooperation in the bursary department contributed significantly to maintaining financial discipline and administrative stability.
The organization also praised the outgoing Rector for fostering a healthy relationship between the Polytechnic and its host communities. According to the statement, Dr. Abdul-Hameed understood the importance of connecting academic institutions with the society they serve.
Through deliberate engagement and strategic initiatives, he built strong relationships with community stakeholders while promoting mutual understanding and development.
Particularly commendable is the impact of the institution’s Entrepreneurship Development Centre which has helped to strengthen community relations and empower young people with productive skills.
MURIC stressed that pioneering leadership carries a unique responsibility because it sets the tone for future administrations. In this regard, the organization affirmed that Engr. Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed has raised the standard of academic leadership and created a benchmark for pioneer Rectors of Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria.
“MURIC Oyo State Chapter therefore celebrates the remarkable achievements and historic contributions of Engr. Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed to the development of Federal Polytechnic Ayede.
“As he bows out of office with honour and distinction, we pray that Almighty Allah reward his dedication, grant him greater opportunities for service and make his future endeavours even more impactful than his tenure as Rector.”
