The Polytechnic, Ibadan has honoured the immediate past and pioneer Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Lagelu and District Society, Chief (Mrs.) Omokemi Olufunke Oladipo, FCA, with its Outstanding Alumni Award in recognition of her distinguished professional accomplishments, leadership, and contributions to society.
Oladipo, the founder of Salvage Professionals, was among the eminent graduates celebrated by the Department of Accountancy during its Awards of Excellence and Alumni Reunion Day, an initiative aimed at recognising alumni who have excelled in their various fields while inspiring the next generation of students.
The Head of Department, Dr. Jadesola Abiodun Adepoju, described Oladipo as one of its distinguished alumni whose achievements in the accounting profession and public service have brought pride and credibility to the institution.
The department noted that the awards were instituted to celebrate graduates who have represented the department exceptionally well through professional accomplishments, community service and commitment to its core values, while also strengthening alumni engagement.
Receiving the award, Oladipo described the recognition by her alma mater as one of the greatest honours of her career, saying it was a homecoming that carried profound emotional significance.
“To say that I am humbled to stand before you today would be an understatement. Returning to The Polytechnic, Ibadan, is always a homecoming, but standing here today to receive this Outstanding Alumni Award is an honour that touches me deeply,” she said.
She recalled that when she enrolled as a student years ago, she had dreams and aspirations but was uncertain about what the future held, adding that the institution equipped her with the knowledge, discipline and resilience that have guided her professional journey.
According to her, The Polytechnic, Ibadan offered more than academic qualifications, instilling in its students the culture of excellence, problem-solving and perseverance needed to overcome professional and personal challenges.
“The rigorous training, the late-night studies, the vibrant campus life and the guidance of exceptional lecturers laid the foundation for everything I have been able to achieve in my professional journey. For that, I am eternally grateful to my alma mater,” she said.
Oladipo described the award as more than a celebration of past achievements, saying it represented a renewed call to service and greater commitment to the institution that shaped her.
“Receiving an award from outsiders is wonderful, but being recognised by your own family is unmatched. This award is not just a celebration of past achievements; to me, it is a call to do more,” she stated.
She urged fellow alumni to remain committed to supporting the institution, stressing that their success would only be meaningful if they helped others succeed.
“As alumni, our success is incomplete if we do not lift as we climb. It reinforces our responsibility to ensure that the banner of The Polytechnic, Ibadan continues to fly high in the corporate world, in public service and across academia,” she added.
Addressing students, Oladipo encouraged them to embrace discipline, diligence and integrity, assuring them that graduates of The Polytechnic, Ibadan possess the capacity to excel anywhere in the world.
“The education and training you are receiving here are world-class. Do not take shortcuts. Embrace the discipline, master your craft and build your networks. The world out there is competitive, but trust me, a graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan is built to thrive anywhere,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to the Alumni Association, the management of the institution and the Department of Accountancy for finding her worthy of the recognition, dedicating the award to her family, mentors and professional colleagues.
Oladipo also pledged to continue serving as a worthy ambassador of The Polytechnic, Ibadan by upholding its enduring tradition of excellence and contributing to the development of future generations of professionals.
