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The Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA) has celebrated the graduation of 170 beneficiaries of its scholarship programme at the Federal Technical College (FTC), Ilesa, describing the achievement as another major milestone in its commitment to youth empowerment through technical and vocational education.
The colourful graduation ceremony, held on Sunday, attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, parents, education stakeholders, sponsors and distinguished guests who gathered to celebrate the graduating students and the success of a programme that has become a model for community-driven educational development.
The scholarship scheme, launched in 2023 under the leadership of the Chairman of ICDA and Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Olayinka Yinka Fasuyi, was established after it was discovered that only a few students of Ijesa origin were enrolled at the Federal Technical College, Ilesa. Through the initiative, 250 admission slots were secured for indigent students, with sponsorship provided by 78 Ijesa benefactors.
Addressing the gathering, Fasuyi described the graduation as a testament to what purposeful leadership, community partnership and investment in human capital can achieve.
He congratulated the graduates for successfully completing their training, urging them to become worthy ambassadors of Ijesaland by demonstrating integrity, innovation, diligence and professionalism wherever they find themselves.
Fasuyi also appreciated the sponsors, mentors, management of the Federal Technical College, ICDA members and the 44 donors who supported the valedictory ceremony, noting that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government's renewed emphasis on technical and vocational education.
The ICDA-FTC Coordinator, Alagba Wale Idowu, reflected on the three-year journey of the scholarship programme, acknowledging both its successes and challenges.
He reminded the graduates that the expectations of the Ijesa community extend beyond obtaining certificates, urging them to uphold the Omoluabi values of integrity, discipline, hard work and responsible leadership while using their acquired skills to contribute meaningfully to society.
Idowu also stressed the importance of good character alongside academic excellence, noting that maintaining discipline among the students required deliberate efforts throughout the programme. He appealed to parents to continue mentoring and supporting their children as they transition into the next phase of life.
Adding colour and inspiration to the ceremony was the special appearance of Prince Biodun Lufadeju, renowned composer of the Ijesa Anthem, who delivered a motivational address to the graduating students. He encouraged the new graduates to embrace innovation, remain committed to excellence and use the technical skills they had acquired to become solution providers and agents of positive change in society. Lufadeju urged them to uphold the values of integrity, resilience and hard work, reminding them that they now carry the hopes and aspirations of Ijesaland as ambassadors of their community wherever life takes them.
A major milestone highlighted during the event was the recognition that the Federal Government later adopted the ICDA scholarship model as a template for technical and vocational education across Federal Technical Colleges in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Idowu Olabisi Akinbamijo, the immediate past Principal of the Federal Technical College, Ilesa, described the ICDA scholarship scheme as a pioneering community-driven educational initiative and a landmark intervention in Nigeria's technical education sector. She said the Ijesa people's vision and commitment laid the foundation for the Federal Government's nationwide free technical and vocational education programme now being implemented across all Federal Technical Colleges in the country. According to her, the remarkable success of the ICDA initiative demonstrated the transformative impact of community investment in education and served as a catalyst for the adoption of the policy at the national level.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the success of the scholarship scheme, Dr. Akinbamijo received a Special Recognition Award from ICDA and was also decorated as an honorary member of the organisation.
The current Director and Principal of the college, Mrs. A. O. Kalejaiye, congratulated the graduating students and encouraged them to build their future on discipline, integrity, humility, hard work and the fear of God.
She urged them to avoid negative influences, protect their reputation and remain committed to lifelong learning.
Mrs. Kalejaiye also commended the dedication of the teaching and non-teaching staff, appreciated parents and guardians for their unwavering support, and paid glowing tribute to ICDA for sponsoring the Technical Three students.
"I will state unambiguously that the ICDA-sponsored Technical Three students. This intervention is impactful, impressive, commendable and highly applaudable," she said.
Representatives of parents also expressed appreciation to ICDA for providing opportunities that have transformed the lives of many young people across Ijesaland.
Also speaking, Mr. Remi Ajayi, Managing Director of Remlux Furniture, testified to the quality of training received by the students, recalling the impressive performances of some of the graduates during their industrial attachment at his workshop.
The Special Guest of Honour, Ambassador Nimota, represented by Mrs. Remi Omole, encouraged the graduates to embrace innovation, noting that technology presents enormous opportunities for their generation.
According to her, the students have been equipped with relevant technical skills that will enable them compete successfully in the modern economy.
Another symbolic moment during the ceremony was the formal passing of the baton from the outgoing Head Boy to the incoming Head Boy, signifying continuity of leadership and excellence within the institution.
Among the dignitaries present were the Arojo of Irojo, High Chief Akin Obi; the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe; the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, Oba Engr. Olufemi Agunsoye; the Ogboni of Ilesa, High Chief Saka Fapohunda; the Onifiye Adimula of Idado-Ijesa, Oba Kehinde Adebowale Taiwo; Prince Biodun Olufadeju; Yeyerise Hannah Bolanle Ojo; and members of the Yeyesogba.
Also in attendance ICDA management team: Elder Lowo Adebiyi,Alagba Wale Idowu, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola, Chief Akin Olatunbosun, Mr. Bukola Fadipe and Prince Ademola Adeyeye.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for sustained investment in technical and vocational education, with stakeholders describing the ICDA scholarship programme as a shining example of how community collaboration can empower young people, promote entrepreneurship and contribute to national development.
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