OYSCATECH Leadership Applauded as 18 Staff Members Bag PhDs in Record Time

A former Bursar and forensic expert at the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora, Dr. Sarafa Agbogun, has publicly lauded the institution's management for orchestrating what he termed a "historic turnaround" in academic capacity development. In a statement released on Saturday, Agbogun highlighted a significant milestone in the college’s history, noting that 18 staff members had successfully earned their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees between 2024 and 2025. This surge in advanced academic qualifications is described as a rare feat within the polytechnic sector, signaling a robust upgrade in the institution’s intellectual capital.

The commendation was specifically directed at the Rector, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, whose leadership Agbogun credited for creating an enabling environment for staff development. The former Bursar observed that the scale and speed of these academic achievements are "not common in a polytechnic set-up," suggesting that OYSCATECH is rapidly evolving beyond traditional expectations. The statement, issued by the institution's Public Relations Officer, Opeyemi Olawore, emphasized that the management's deliberate policies have fostered an "academic boom" that rivals that of emerging universities.

The immediate trigger for this high praise was the recent convocation of four senior staff members who were awarded their doctoral degrees at the 17th Convocation Ceremony of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo. Witnessing this specific achievement prompted Agbogun to reflect on the broader trend of excellence within the college. He expressed that the staff development trajectory at OYSCATECH is currently "unparalleled," a sentiment he formalized in a congratulatory letter to the management. He stressed that alongside the PhDs, numerous other staff members have acquired Master's degrees and professional certifications during the same period.

Dr. Agbogun’s analysis of the situation suggests that this academic growth is not accidental but the result of a strategic institutional culture. He pointed out that the Rector’s personal involvement has been a critical morale booster, citing Prof. Akinlabi’s attendance at the Ajayi Crowther University ceremony to personally congratulate the staff and the Vice-Chancellor. This level of leadership engagement, Agbogun argued, reinforces the value the institution places on intellectual advancement and professional growth.

The breakdown of the institutions from which these degrees were obtained further underscores the quality of this academic harvest. The list of universities includes prestigious Nigerian institutions such as the University of Ibadan, Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). Notably, the list also extends internationally to North West University in South Africa, demonstrating the global competitiveness of the college’s workforce.

In his statement, Agbogun drew a bold comparison, declaring that OYSCATECH is now a "potential University" given the depth of its capacity development. He argued that the indicators of academic strength—specifically the density of PhD holders among the staff—are comparable to those found in university settings. This assertion aligns with ongoing national conversations about the upgrading of polytechnics and the need for higher-level vocational and technical education in Nigeria.

The forensic expert did not reserve his praise for the management alone; he also saluted the "doggedness" of the staff members who combined their official duties with the rigorous demands of doctoral research. He noted that their determination to improve their capacity is a testament to the resilience and ambition within the college’s workforce. Agbogun extended warm congratulations to all the new PhD holders, recognizing their personal sacrifices in pursuit of academic excellence.

Concluding his message, Dr. Agbogun offered prayers for the continued progress of the institution, its staff, and its students. His intervention serves as a powerful external validation of OYSCATECH’s current trajectory, confirming that the institution is steadily building the intellectual infrastructure necessary to become a leading center of agricultural and technological learning in the region. The attainment of 18 PhDs in just two years stands as a quantifiable metric of this success, setting a new benchmark for peer institutions.