OSCOTECH Alumni Embraces Unlocking Potentials To Ignite Transformative Development at 13th National Convention
….Lauds Pst Mrs Olusayo Adedigba For Painting the Association Auditorium…
By Titilola Olaniyan,
The national association of Osun State College of Technology, OSCOTECH Alumni has embraced unlocking potentials to ignite transformative development for its Alma Mata and members in Nigeria and Diaspora.
OSCOTECH Alumni made the resolution at the 13th Annual Convention of the association, tagged: Unlocking Potentials: The Journey of Reunion to Renaissance, held at the Alumni Multi-purpose auditorium in Esa-Oke.
The OSCOTECH Alumni association at the convention lauded the donation of Pastor Mrs Olusayo Adedigba, one of its Alumnus who painted the three thousand capacity auditorium for the association free of charge.
Delivering his lecture on the theme of the convention, Professor Abiona Oluseye Oladapo of the department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Basic and Applied Science, Osun state University, said the Journey of Reunion to Renaissance as a topic is as philosophical as it is practical. It invites us to look inward and outward: to examine who we are, what we carry within us, and how we can rise, individually and collectively, toward renewal and greatness.
He opined that leadership plays a central role in the process, as true leaders unite rather than divide, build bridges of trust and foster collaboration across sectors and do not simply manage resources but awaken purpose. “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way,” saying when leadership reconnects with values, the people reconnect with vision, that shared vision becomes the soil where renaissance grows.
Prof Abiona states education, ethical and visionary leadership as the bridge that connects reunion to renaissance. “A leader who unlocks potential empowers others, builds systems that reward merit, and inspires shared hope, implies that such leaders create movements, not just followers, while a genuine renaissance must also be moral and cultural.”
He averred that one of the main objectives of alumni association is to support a network of former graduates or old students who will in turn, help to raise the profile of the alma-mata, as the alumni associations aim to bring together like-minded individuals to actualise common goals for the overall development of their educational institutions, he said that reunion to renaissance” suggests a shift from merely holding gatherings (reunions) to revitalizing and empowering the community (renaissance).
The erudite scholar emphasised that Alumni associations must move beyond just reunions to creating a dynamic, engaged, and supportive community that fosters growth, innovation, and collective progress among alumni, prioritise networking and collaboration, professional development and mentorship, community engagement and service, innovation and entrepreneurship to unlock new opportunities, strengthen bonds, and create lasting impacts.
Adding that the Alumni engagement plays a pivotal role in the landscape of higher education, serving as a bridge between colleges and their graduates, he stated that the impact of alumni associations extends far beyond social gatherings, as they actively shape institution’s policies by providing feedback and insights that reflect the needs and aspirations of the alumni community.
Prof Abiona highlighting the role of Alumni Associations on Community Building, affirmed that leadership roles of women in higher education alumni organizations are increasingly significant, with a focus on inclusivity and community building, to strengthen connections among alumni and between alumni and the college, through mentorship and support networks, vital for women aspiring leadership positions in alumni organizations.
The erudite scholar speaking on the future of Alumni Engagement: Trends and Innovations, said the landscape of alumni engagement is undergoing a significant transformation, driven largely by technological advancements and innovative strategies that redefine how alumni connect, network, and support one another, and he urged the Alumni association to embrace the digital tools, and rethink engagement strategies.
While he charged the Alumni to leverage on Institutional Branding, maintain a strong bond with their alma mata, have Institutional rankings, networking, empowerment, mentorship for students (future graduates), professional development workshops among others, he maintained that every person and every nation carry potential which must be unlocked through action and awareness, hence reunion with self, with others, and with purpose which gives birth to renaissance. “When people reconnect with their identity, truth, and creativity, they ignite transformation in their lives, their communities, and their societies, – Prof Abiona concluded.”
In his remarks, the Rector Osun state College of Technology Esa-Oke, Alhaji Sefiu Adebowale Adewumi commended the OSCOTECH National Alumni association for being abridge builder a d role model to future graduates.
He encouraged them to improve on their partnership with the institution and to also use the network of alumni as models in all areas of their specialisation, saying the school management will always be proud of the Alumni.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the OSCOTECH Alumni national president, Hon Adewale Afolabi PhD said the association thrived on unity of purpose, a strengthened chapters and departmental alumni associations, support of the school management, building project, diaspora support, regular meetings and availability of alumni members at programmes among others.
He used the medium to congratulate the appointment of the college Rector, Alhaji S. A. Adewumi, and prayed God bless his administration, while he also applauded donors of the convention, the chapters chairmen, the BoT and convention committee.
The 13th Convention programme chaired by Akogun Wale Odediran featured award presentation to the OSCOTECH Rector, Alhaji Semiu Adebowale Adewumi who was honoured with an award by the Alumni National President, presented by the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran Atupa Owaji II, represented by Gbobaniyi of Esa-Oke, Chief Gbenga Adeyemi-Ale.
The OSCOTECH National Alumni Convention graces by Alumnus and guests across the globe, also featured gyration by the Alma Mata Kegite club iliya-du-poly, and the election of new executive to run the association affairs for the next two years also held.
The event also featured Scholar Awards presented to the best students in various departments encouraging academic excellence among the current students.