BREAKING

Ode to the Heroine of the Press, By Dele Alake . Being a press Statement on the transition of Dr. (Mrs.) Doyin Abiola, former Managing Director of Concord Press of Nigeria Dele Alake It is said that some are born great and others have greatness thrust upon them. Dr.Doyin Abiola, who joined the Saints yesterday, showed up on both counts. She was the scion of the illustrious Aboaba family, reputed for its elitist pedigree and nobility built on professionalism and class. That heritage ensured that she climbed to the pinnacle of scholarship. Starting with Bachelor’s in English and Drama of Nigeria’s premier University of Ibadan, she followed with a Master’s and later crowned it with Doctor of Philosophy at the New York University, United States. A seminal reflection of this interesting foray into knowledge indicated a zig-zag, trapeze dance between theory and practice, private and public media practice. For instance, she started her journalism.practice at Daily Sketch, a regional newspaper of the defunct Western State Government in 1969. After her Master’s, she worked at Daily Times, a national medium owned by the Federal Government and following the completion of her doctorate, she moved from Daily Times to Concord Press of Nigeria to birth a newspaper with a distinct and different approach to mainstream news and tabloid journalism. Dr Doyin Abiola, gentle and genial, soft yet solid, inhaled and exhaled journalism. Breaking the news day after day, splashing shockers on the front pages and making sure that readers got the news of Concord hot very early at the newstands, were the goals that drove her to deliver the best copies to the market. She was, indeed, a newsman, ( as there are no women in journalism), trained for the job with an incredible passion for investigation and staying power for following up till the end of each episode. Dr. Abiola’ s managerial expertise was unparalleled. Complementing her husband, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the publisher, Dr.Abiola supervised several innovative projects to position Concord Press as the primus inter pares in the media industry. For instance, Concord was the first to archive newspapers by converting from print to microfilm. She showed her motherly disposition in the provision of conducive working conditions and personal interest in staff welfare and professional development. Only a professional and manager of exceptional capacity and courage could have translated the publisher’s vision of independent journalism into daily publication of news and respected leaders. Only a woman of quintessential professional standards and stoic sacrifice could have survived the regular onslaught of military invasion of Concord’s newsroom, incessant closures and incarceration of staff, and ultimately, the detention and death of the publisher. It is a testament of her doggedness that she brought her resourcefulness and stature to count on the side of the Nigerian people when it mattered most, unbowed by the wicked incarceration of her husband and winner of the June 12, 1993 election. Dr Doyin Abiola’s transition signals the gradual exit of the beautiful ones who brought sparkle to the lives of many readers by publishing delightful stories of hope and perseverance. Dr Abiola’s transition is a personal loss to me and my family. She was the auntie who held my hand and led me up the corporate steps of Africa’s foremost media establishment. She was the sister who polished the edges of a character in flight to stardom and higher responsibilities. She was the boss who believed in me and contributed to what I have become today. She was the leader who spotted bright minds and nurtured to fruition talents that could have been spent half way. She was the mother who counselled and encouraged us to stand by the values of integrity and enterprise. As you prepare to meet your Maker, Auntie D, the world is aware that you left a void that will be difficult to fill. Adieu, Auntie, and rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord. Dr. Dele Alake Former Concord Editorial Board member, Former Editor Sunday Concord, Former Editor National Concord , Former Commissioner for Information and Strategy Lagos State , Honourable minister of solid minerals development 10 hours ago
Current Events and News

Federal Polytechnic Ayede Emerges as a Trailblazer in Transparency and Accountability in Higher Education


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By: Sayó Àlàgbé

In a powerful display of institutional integrity and dedication to open governance, Federal Polytechnic Ayede has distinguished itself as a leading light among Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. The Polytechnic has fully complied with the recent directive from the Federal Government mandating all federal universities, polytechnics, and monotechnics to publish their institutional budgets and financial records online by May 31, 2025.

Spearheading this laudable achievement is the institution’s Governing Council, chaired by Hon. Yakubu Dati (FNIPR), alongside the proactive management team led by the Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE). Together, they have propelled Federal Polytechnic Ayede to the forefront of financial transparency in the country’s education sector.

According to a Punch Online report dated June 3, 2025, a staggering majority of federal tertiary institutions missed the compliance deadline, with only 19.51% of federal polytechnics and a mere 3.33% of federal monotechnics meeting the requirement. In contrast, Federal Polytechnic Ayede not only adhered to the timeline but did so with an outstanding level of clarity and accessibility in its financial disclosures.

“At the heart of our governance philosophy is the conviction that transparency builds trust,” remarked Hon. Yakubu Dati. “We are committed to ensuring that our stakeholders, both within and beyond the academic community, have unfettered access to vital information about our institution.”

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Rector Engr. Dr. Abdul-Hameed reinforced this position, stating, “Our focus is not merely on meeting directives but on redefining standards in service delivery. Transparency is integral to our vision of institutional excellence and accountability.”

The Polytechnic’s efforts align with the broader goals of the Federal Ministry of Education, under the leadership of Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, which has prioritized web accessibility and public engagement as critical components of institutional performance. Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s swift and effective compliance has earned commendation from the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, which is actively monitoring nationwide adherence to the directive.

In a landscape where many institutions still struggle to embrace open governance, Federal Polytechnic Ayede stands as a beacon of what is possible when leadership, integrity, and innovation converge. By publishing comprehensive financial records — including budgetary allocations and research funding — the institution sends a powerful message that accountability is not optional, but essential.

As stakeholders and the local community celebrate this significant milestone, Federal Polytechnic Ayede calls on other institutions to join the movement toward greater transparency. In doing so, they will help build a stronger, more credible higher education system — one capable of earning the trust of the Nigerian public and shaping a brighter future for generations to come.


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