It’s a New Beginning – A Greater Future
Speech by the Provost/CEO of NAAC at the 2nd Matriculation Ceremony of the College on Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Salutation
The JAMB Registrar,
The Principal Officers of the College,
All Directors,
Heads of Departments,
Parents and Guardians,
Gentlemen of the Press,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Greatest Nigerian Students
Introduction and Welcome
Dear Students, highly esteemed colleagues, members of the NAAC community, friends of NAAC, ladies and gentle men,
I stand on the grounds already established for this great institution which today is on the path of growth from the dreams of the Chief Promoter and Visioner (Dr. Azhinoto Ozodio Ikpah, PhD), on the wings of eagles, to, on behalf of the Governing Council, and the Management team, and with gratitude to God Almighty, welcome you all to the second matriculation ceremony of the college, and heralding the advancement of this citadel of learning with a new academic session, 2025/2026.
Particularly welcome to our College is the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Isaaq Oloyede, very ably represented by the Lagos State Coordinators of JAMB, Mrs. Mary Essien and Mrs. Grace Ojekwe
New Programs Accreditation
It is with great joy that we received the news of the reappointment of the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, and take this occasion to warmly congratulate him and trust that we shall truly develop under his watch.
Strongly believing in the mission and value propositions of this institution, the NBTE under his able leadership has approved the addition of Accountancy and Computer Science to our existing Business Administration and Management offerings, which we are ever determined to justify by continuing to deliver high quality, future-fit educational content to our students and rich values to our community and society. We have promised not to be a mere paper-issuing institution but a driver of present and future-ready practice-oriented education and community development.
Commentary on National Education
According to a recent global industrial development review, Polytechnics have been central to Singapore’s economic growth since the establishment of the first one – Singapore Polytechnic – in 1954. Before Singapore, Nigeria had joined the world of progressive pursuits of technological and industrial advancement when Yaba Technical Institute which has transmuted to the current Yaba College of Technology was established in 1947, and Kaduna Polytechnic in 1956, then a lagging till the 1970s when Polytechnic education caught the fire of growth and expansion with the Lagos State Polytechnic (now a university, abandoning the true course of its founding, in 1977/1978 and the establishment of the legal framework for the formal regulation of polytechnics by the Federal Polytechnic Act of 1979. Prior to this, the yearning of the country for development saw the creation of specialized technical institutions which emerged in accredited form as Monotechnics sequel to the establishment of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in 1977. The thrust was to provide technical courses and applied sciences in the country blessed with talents and resources. Two other principal institutions, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion; and the National Office of Industrial Property, were established in 1979 to accelerate the development of the country through technology acquisition and promotion, as well as the monitoring of the transfer of technology to Nigeria. The vehicles for the actualization of these policies were the Monotechnics and Polytechnics established across the country, the fervour of which has waned and the country now bemoans its squalor having become a dumping ground for inferior foreign goods since she cannot with her institutions produce what she needs. A major consequence of the dwindling interest and support for monotechnic and polytechnic education is the chasing away of the country’s best brains to other climes where they are acclaimed to be high performers. This is quite sad and challenging not only to the policy makers but the citizenry who should all rally together to support developmental education and training through the institutions legislated and created to provide such. America did not abandon what started as Community Colleges in 1901 to gain global acclaim. We, at Nubian American Advanced College, have chosen to pioneer this model and soon, students will find diplomas, associate degrees, and certifications more attractive, and the employers who discriminate against holders of these qualifications risk missing out on talent. It is thus not out of place to look towards Nubian American Advanced College for the honing of today’s talents and skills.
Charge to Students
To our newly admitted students, congratulations on your successful admission. You are now part of an academic community committed to excellence in teaching, learning, character development, and society-impacting activities. As you begin your academic journey, I urge you to embrace discipline, dedication, and integrity, which are the pillars of success in this institution. In today’s world, being one of high-technology and fast-paced, demands that institutions of learning, preparing students for tomorrow’s workplace, cannot be doing well without imparting the requisite skills for fulfilling engagement. Embrace the technologies you are being introduced to and envision a future where you are the champion and nothing less. It will interest you to know that in pursuit of the ideals championed by your college, we shall be hosting executives in a specialized Artificial Intelligence (AI) training course on this campus. Be prepared to hold leadership positions in the scheme of things.
Charge to Staff
To our esteemed members of staff, I sincerely appreciate your commitment and professionalism. The success of this institution rests significantly on your dedication to teaching, mentoring, administration, and technology-savvy service. I look forward to your continued cooperation, teamwork, and excellence as we work together to deliver quality education and uphold our institutional values.
Lectures and other activities have commenced, and I encourage all members of this academic community and our partners to play their respective roles in maintaining a conducive learning environment, mutual respect, and adherence to institutional policies and standards.
Appreciation & Closing
At our maiden matriculation we lauded the JAMB Registrar with deep gratitude for promptly supporting our college sequel to being notified by the NBTE of our approval and accreditation status. Our appreciation continues as our students on the roll has appreciably increased compared to last year. With gladness, therefore we are excited to have you honour again our invitation to matriculate our students. We promise to hold our grounds with these students to see them earn their place of honour and repute in society.
We cannot fully express our gratitude to the parents and guardians who have bitten the bullet at us by entrusting to us the responsibility of molding the lives of their children and wards in a world that keeps demanding more with each passing epoch. It is our pledge to prove you right as we walk together in cooperation to take our matriculants to the next higher level.
The community in which we operate has shown more than a passing glance at our existence but its members have given us their help. We here specially greet the traditional ruler of the land, HRM, Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye, Sateru II, the Ojomu of Ajiran Land, the priest and authorities at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, the management and staff of the Palazzo Dumont Hotel promoters of the Maison & Mocha Café, the Rector and management of Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Providence_AIAPP Consulting and MRSoft, our friends.
On behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Staff, and promising Students of this noble institution, I cheer the Chief Promoter, the Nubian Group, and all of us for having held up the vision thus far. We have only just begun, and we cannot lean on our oars yet.
I feel privileged to work with the wonderful associates of Principal Officers, Directors of Schools, Heads of Departments and Academic and other Services, the Academic Board and entire Staff (Teaching and Non-Teaching), whose cooperation and support I cherish.
To the Press and everyone here present, all our friends and sponsors, I say a big thank you. I wish us all a productive, peaceful, and successful academic session.
Thank you for your attention.
Patrick I. Oyinkari, DBL, FCIET
Professor of Business Management & Leadership
Provost/CEO
Country Director, American Institute of Education & Training
