Students have been urged to prioritise skills acquisition, innovation and character development, with a warning that academic certificates alone are no longer sufficient to guarantee success in an increasingly competitive world.

The charge was given to the students of Impact School of Broadcasting and Communication Polytechnic, Fire destroys 20 Shops, goods worth millions in Ibadan market, on Monday during the institution’s second matriculation ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session, where newly admitted students were formally inducted into the academic community.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Rector of the institution, Mr Femi Mapaderun, urged the matriculants to view their education as preparation for future opportunities, stressing that certificates must be complemented with practical competence and professionalism.

According to him, the institution remains committed to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also equipped with the practical skills needed to thrive in their chosen professions.

“The certificate you are working towards should prepare you for the future. Beyond the paper qualification, you must acquire the knowledge, skills and values that will make you relevant in society and the workplace,” Mapaderun said.

He urged the students to take full advantage of the institution’s practical-oriented learning environment, noting that employers increasingly seek individuals who possess both academic qualifications and demonstrable skills. He urged the students to remain focused throughout their studies and strive to become highly skilled professionals capable of making meaningful contributions to the media and communication industry.

The ceremony was attended by members of the institution’s management, lecturers, parents, guardians and other stakeholders who witnessed the formal admission of the students into the institution’s academic programmes.

In his remarks, the Chairman and founder of the institution, Deacon Owolabi Oladejo, described matriculation as the beginning of a significant journey and reminded the students that admission into the polytechnic comes with responsibilities.

He urged them to embrace integrity, excellence and discipline while making the most of the opportunities available to them.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. You are accepting the responsibilities that come with being students of this institution. We are committed to providing quality education that will equip you with practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities,” Oladejo said.

The founder stressed that while educational qualifications remain important, character remains a more enduring determinant of success.

“Your certificate can open doors, but your character will take you to higher ground. Success is not measured by academic performance alone. Integrity, confidence, diligence and service are essential ingredients for success in life,” he added.

Oladejo further urged the students to attend lectures regularly, participate actively in academic activities, cultivate entrepreneurial abilities and avoid examination malpractice.

Delivering the matriculation lecture, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Ajani Olatunbosun, represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Akinola Olutunde, stressed the importance of practical skills and innovation in contemporary society.

Olatunbosun urged the students to look beyond certificates and focus on developing competencies that would make them productive and valuable contributors to society.

“You are not here merely to collect certificates. You are here to acquire skills. Life is driven by innovation, and innovation comes from what you consistently learn, practise and improve upon. Nobody will hand innovation to you; it is something you create through dedication and hard work,” he said.

The commissioner lauded the institution for its emphasis on practical training and hands-on learning, noting that since its establishment in 2018, it has continued to bridge gaps in broadcasting and communication education.