The Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, has announced that its admission exercise for the 2025/2026 academic session will officially close on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The closure affects both Full-Time and Part-Time National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes of the institution.

The decision was reiterated at the 45th Statutory Meeting of the Academic Board held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, where members resolved that the deadline would not be extended.

In a press release issued by the Deputy Registrar, Information, Protocol and Passages, Mr. Sanmi Enigbokan, the institution advised prospective candidates to complete their registration formalities before the stipulated deadline.

The Polytechnic emphasized that no excuse would be entertained after the expiration of the admission window.

The management also directed all relevant organs of the Polytechnic community to comply strictly with the Academic Board’s decision and ensure that students and prospective candidates are properly guided throughout the process.

Prospective applicants are therefore urged to take advantage of the remaining days to regularize their admission status before the February 15 deadline.

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Dr. Ademola Iyanda Ebeloku, has called on staff and students to embrace teamwork, peace, and forward-looking initiatives as the institution embarks on the new year, 2026.

In his New Year message issued on Monday, 5th January 2026, Dr. Ebeloku welcomed the Polytechnic community to the new year, praying that it brings “good tidings filled with accomplishments, progress, and breakthroughs for all.”

He commended the institution’s growth over the past decade and urged collective efforts to accelerate sustainable development with renewed zeal.

The Rector announced that the Polytechnic will hold an inter-religious prayer meeting for staff and students on Wednesday, 7th January 2026 at the Multipurpose Auditorium to seek divine favor and protection for the institution in the year ahead. He strongly encouraged full participation in the event.

Expressing gratitude for the support and prayers that contributed to the Polytechnic’s achievements in 2025, Dr. Ebeloku stressed the importance of maintaining team spirit to promote the institution’s vision and mission.

He assured that staff and student welfare would remain a priority within available resources.

Dr. Ebeloku further urged the Polytechnic community to be “our brother’s keeper, peace-loving, and forward-looking” in interactions, expressing optimism that 2026 would usher in new opportunities for initiatives, collaborations, infrastructural development, and growth in staff and student enrollment.

He concluded by wishing everyone a fruitful year guided by God’s providence.

Signed:
Dr. Ademola Iyanda Ebeloku FCIA, MCIPM, FIMC
Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Dr. Ademola I. Ebeloku, has felicitated with members of the institution’s community on the celebration of the 2025 Christmas season.

In a goodwill message issued on behalf of the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, staff and students, the Rector extended warm greetings to the Polytechnic community, particularly Christian faithful, describing Christmas as a season that symbolises the birth of Jesus Christ and the values He represents.

Dr. Ebeloku urged members of the institution to use the yuletide period to reflect on and emulate the virtues of love, humility, tolerance, perseverance and compassion, as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

He acknowledged that the outgoing year 2025 was marked by various challenges and uncertainties, noting, however, that the institution and its members enjoyed divine mercy, kindness and protection throughout the year.

“As we journey into the year 2026, I appeal to all and sundry to look ahead with renewed hope, dedication and commitment to excellence,” the Rector said, expressing optimism that the new year would usher in good tidings for the Polytechnic community.

Dr. Ebeloku concluded by wishing staff and students a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance.

The message was e-signed by Dr. Ademola I. Ebeloku, FCIA, FIMC, MCIPM, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji.

The Federal Government on Friday ordered the temporary closure of 41 unity schools over the rising cases of abduction across the country.

The decision was announced in a circular issued by the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir.

“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges.

“Principals of the affected colleges are to ensure strict compliance. Please accept the warm regards of the Honourable Minister,” the circular read.

The affected schools are: FGGC Minjibir; FGA Suleja; FTC Ganduje; FGGC Zaria; FTC Kafanchan; FGGC Bakori; FTC Dayi; FGC Daura; FGGC Tambuwal; FSC Sokoto; FTC Wurno; FGC Gusau; FGC Anka; FGGC Gwandu; FGC Birnin Yauri; FTC Zuru; FGGC Kazaure; FGC Kiyawa; FTC Hadejia; FGGC Bida; FGC New Bussa; and FTC Kuta-Shiroro.

Others include: FGC Ilorin; FGGC Omu-Aran; FTC Gwanara; FGC Ugwolawo; FGGC Kabba; FTC Ogugu; FGGC Bwari; FGC Rubochi; FGGC Abaji; FGGC Potiskum; FGC Buni Yadi; FTC Gashau; FTC Michika; FGC Ganye; FGC Azare; FTC Misau; FGGC Bajoga; FGC Billiri; and FTC Zambuk.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that some students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, were kidnapped by terrorists.

The incident comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were abducted, heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the region.

On Thursday, over 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State following attacks by bandits.

President Bola Tinubu had also cancelled his scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the government’s response to the worsening insecurity. PUNCH

A Nigerian educationist, Mr. Dolapo Moyo-peters, has called for urgent digital literacy campaigns and structured mentorship programs to combat the growing negative influence of social media on students’ academic performance.

Mr. Moyo-peters, who is the proprietor of The Unique Future Academy, made the call during an interview on Monday, warning that platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and OnlyFans are increasingly drawing students away from their academic responsibilities, particularly those preparing for major examinations like the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

“The solution isn’t to eliminate social media,” he said. “It’s about teaching responsible usage. With the right guidance and balance, students can enjoy the benefits of digital platforms without jeopardizing their future.”

He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among parents, educators, and policymakers to guide students on healthy technology use through structured interventions and awareness campaigns.

According to him, social media’s fast-paced and visually engaging nature has weakened students’ concentration, fostered poor study habits, and created an environment of instant gratification. These factors, he said, are replacing long-term academic goals with short-term pleasures.

He also pointed to mental health concerns arising from prolonged social media use, including anxiety, stress, and disrupted sleep patterns, all of which negatively affect students’ ability to perform academically.

Stressing the importance of helping students find a balance, noting that while educational content exists on social media, the temptation to prioritize entertainment continues to undermine meaningful learning.

“Some students are beginning to replace their long-term academic goals with the pursuit of likes, shares, and fleeting online recognition. “This shift in priorities is dangerous and requires immediate intervention.”

To tackle these issues, he recommended the implementation of school-based digital responsibility programs, increased parental involvement, and targeted campaigns by education ministries to instill a balanced approach to technology. Advocating for collaborative efforts between government agencies, private schools, mental health professionals, and tech companies to create a safe and productive digital environment for learners.

“There is a need to reframe the narrative. Social media doesn’t have to be the enemy of education. But students must be taught how to control their usage, not be controlled by it,” he said.

Mr. Moyo-peters, concluded with a call to action for policymakers and stakeholders in the education sector. “If we are to prepare our students for a competitive global future, we must begin by equipping them with the skills to navigate the digital world responsibly.”