Federal Polytechnic Ilaro’s Rector, Dr. Mukail Aremu Akinde, received accolades yesterday as Transparency Africa, a non-partisan organization based in Ivory Coast and Ghana, bestowed upon him its esteemed Transparency Africa Honour’s award.
The award recognizes Dr. Akinde’s ethical leadership and unwavering dedication to transparency, particularly amidst the prevalent corruption plaguing Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Amb. Bernard Sogolo, Team Lead and Director of Programmes at Transparency Africa, emphasized the significance of the award in projecting Africa’s positive image globally and combating the misconception of universal African corruption. He highlighted the importance of honoring leaders and organizations that exemplify integrity to inspire others to embrace transparency and integrity.
Dr. Akinde’s selection for the award stemmed from his impeccable integrity, evidenced by clean track records verified through objective investigations by Anti-graft Agencies. His leadership, including the introduction of work-study schemes for indigent students, showcased his commitment to empowering the youth and upholding moral standards.
The Polytechnic’s proactive measures, such as enforcing dress codes and enhancing security, further solidified Dr. Akinde’s reputation as a promoter of accountability and defender of quality education.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Dr. Akinde attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of the institution’s management, staff, and students. He emphasized the institution’s steadfast commitment to ethical values and transparency.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Akinde addressed the scourge of corruption hindering African development, urging for collective action to combat this “cancerous” force. He lauded African youth for their resilience and thirst for knowledge, citing Federal Polytechnic Ilaro as a beacon of integrity and progress.
Among the distinguished attendees were Tpl. L. A. Lasisi, Deputy Rector, Admin, Mrs A. F. Babatola, the Registrar, and Prince Owolabi, representing the Bursar, underscoring the significance of Dr. Akinde’s honor within the institution’s leadership circle.
