Fidelis David in Akure
Several former students of the Ondo State -owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) have expressed deep frustration over what they described as a prolonged delay in the issuance of their academic certificates, lamenting that the development has continued to stall their academic pursuits and career advancement years after graduation.
Some of the affected graduates who said they completed their programmes at the institution as far back as 2019, 2014, 2020, and 2021 alleged that repeated attempts to obtain their certificates from the polytechnic have yielded no positive result, leaving them stranded and unable to take advantage of employment opportunities and professional advancement that require the document.
One of the affected graduates, Mr. Adeniyi Fadeyi, said the delay had become increasingly unbearable, noting that despite fulfilling all necessary requirements and completing his clearance process, the institution had yet to release his certificate.
Fadeyi explained that when he and other ex-students visited the institution earlier this year to collect the document, they were told that the school lacked the materials needed for printing the certificates.
“I graduated in 2019 and completed my clearance long ago. In April 2025, I went to the school to obtain my certificate, but I was told there was no paper to print it. Since then, nothing has changed, and we are still waiting.”
Another affected graduate, Mrs. Aina Waremi, narrated the stress she has endured in her repeated efforts to secure the document, revealing that she had travelled several times from Lagos to Owo without success.
“I have travelled from Lagos to the school more than five times just to collect my certificate. Each time, I am given one explanation or the other, but at the end of the day I return home without it. It is frustrating and exhausting, especially considering the cost and effort involved in making these trips", Waremi said.
Similarly, Mr. Olawale Julius appealed to the Ondo State Government to urgently intervene in the matter, stressing that many graduates were facing serious professional setbacks because they could not present their certificates when required.
He noted that the situation had become a major concern among the institution’s alumni and urged authorities to expedite action to ensure the prompt release of the long-awaited documents.
Another affected graduate, who preferred not to be named, emphasised that the absence of the certificate had directly affected his career growth, particularly during promotion screenings at his workplace.
“I currently work with Afe Babalola University, and the absence of my certificate has hindered my promotion and career advancement. This is really disheartening because we worked hard to earn these qualifications, yet we cannot fully benefit from them", he lamented.
Responding to the concerns raised by the graduates, the management of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic acknowledged the delay but offered a clarification on the circumstances surrounding the situation.
The institution’s Public Relations and Protocol Officer, Mr. Olumide Olugosi, explained that the challenge was not due to a lack of printing materials as widely speculated but rather because the previously printed batches of certificates had been exhausted.
“The issue is not about a lack of paper. What happened is that the last batches of printed certificates have been fully exhausted", Olugosi stated.
He further disclosed that the polytechnic had already taken steps to address the situation by placing orders for new batches of certificate materials.
“Meanwhile, the Polytechnic has already placed orders for new batches, which are expected shortly. Once they arrive, all outstanding certificates will be processed and issued accordingly.”
The management also expressed regret over the inconvenience the delay may have caused affected graduates, assuring them that efforts were underway to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
“Management regrets any inconvenience the temporary delay may have caused the affected graduates and appreciates their patience and understanding. The Polytechnic remains committed to maintaining the integrity of its academic records and to serving the interests of its students, graduates and alumni”Olugosi added.
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