ADDRESS OF THE PROVOST, MALLAM ALIYU ABDUL - RAUF DELIVERED AT THE 18th MATRICULATION CEREMONY OF THE COLLEGE ON 15th MARCH 2017.

1. The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology (MOTEST) Hajia Dr. Aminat Susa "De Ahmed
2. The Chairman, Board of Governing Council - DR. C.T. AYENI.
3. The Permanent Secretary MOTEST - Alh JIBRIL HARUNA BABA
4. The members of Governing Council
5. The Deputy Provost Administration -Alh Ishiak Aliyu
6. The Deputy Provost Academics - Mrs. Bosede Adekunle
7. The College Registrar - Elder Ayanshola B. A (JP)
8. The Deputy Registrar - Alh Saliu Babatunde
9. The College Bursar- Alhaji Bayo Shehu
10. All the College Directors,
11. All the HOD's
12. Distinguished Guests,
13. Gentlemen of the Press,
14. The Parents here present.

In the name of God Almighty, the most Beneficent, the most merciful. To Him alone be all the glory and adoration for giving us another golden opportunity to witness yet another Matriculation for the 2016/2017 fresh students of the college. I feel very much delighted, highly honored and privileged to address this gathering as the substantive Provost of the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa.

First and foremost, I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Ahmed, Megida nkwara, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, His Royal Highness Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Okikiola Esuwoye II, the Ollofa of Offa, the Offa Descendants Union both home and National, and all other dignitaries who are too numerous to mention that contributed immensely to my confirmation as the substantive Provost of the College. God Almighty will continue to shower them all with more mercy and blessings. He shall be their guide and guard in all their endeavours.

I also use this medium to congratulate the College Board Chairman and his entire members on your well deserve appointment by His Excellency Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Ahmed. Your appointments are well deserved and we know that the good legacy of the past College administration and Board will continue.

As usual, the college management and staff invite your honours Sirs, and Mas, today to matriculate about 2,000 new students. The 2016/2017 matriculation exercise is more special to the college and I especially, than the previous one. By this time last year, I addressed the matriculation gathering as the Acting Provost of the College, but this year, to the glory of God Almighty, the Alpha and Omega, the Creator of the Universe, the Fashioner and the King of kings, I am addressing this gathering as the substantive Provost of the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa. "AI- hamdullillah Robbil - Alamin"

The College is contributing its quota to the production of middle - level manpower in the country. Our graduates are doing well in their various chosen careers and fields. The Management will not rest in its oars to turn the College into a world class citadel for HEALTH CARE TRAINING. I want to use this occasion to appeal to well - to - do individuals and donors to help the college realize its objective by supporting it with both structural and modern training facilities.

Now to the matriculating students, Matriculation is a routine activity to mark the official acceptance of newly admitted students of an academic year. You will be required to take an oath of allegiance to the college as usual. Again, you will require to solemnly swearing to be of good behaviours as our students and abide by the college rules and regulations.

My dear students, this occasion, no doubt calls for celebration and thanksgiving. It is also a time for sober reflection on the other hand. I therefore urge you to take advantage of golden opportunity that is being presented to you now. You should always remember the sons and daughters of whom you are. Your primary objective in these Colleges is to work hard to achieving excellent academic in your various fields. You should avoid all other things that may derail you from achieving your aims.

Also, you should be very conscious of the high expectation of your parents and guardians as well as the sacrifices they have made and would continue to make in order to see you through your various programmes

My dear students their struggles and efforts on you should not be in vain. You should commit yourselves to not let them down.

In addition, you must equally be conscious of your dreams and aspirations in the future. You are the leaders of tomorrow. For you to be able to carry on the mantle of leadership that awaits you in the future, you need to be both morally and academically sound and upright.

Moreover, you should note that from now on, you are not only carrying the mirror of your parents and your homes, but also the flag of this great college. You would need to be very more careful from now on, so as not to spoil or soil the good names with which you are bound to be described hence-forth. That is 'STUDENTS OF THE KWARA STATE COLLEGE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY, OFFA. You should be careful of the path you trend and people you associate with.

Furthermore, you should be GODLY at all time, obey the laws of the host community and the rules and regulations of the college. Try as much as possible to keep away from bad gangs and be disciplined and well -behaved.

You should shun cultism, examination malpractices, raping, stealing, fighting and all sorts of social vices.

Furthermore, you should associate with the College Management, staff, your fellow students and other human beings in lawful manners. Whenever you sense trouble or any danger, run to seek for advice or guidance from the students Affairs Office of the College. Study your student Information Handbook for guidance.

At the end of today my dear students, you would have become bonafide students of the College. But the College would disown you and deal with you accordingly whenever you get yourselves in any act of indiscipline and criminality. I want to emphasize here that the College has Zero tolerance for all forms of criminality and is ready to melt appropriate punishment for any offence. We are indebted to train you and mould you for proper tomorrow. You should be very dedicated and punctual to your studies. So, on behalf of the staff and Management of the College, accept my warm congratulation.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I want to acknowledge His Excellency, Alhaji Abdul - Fatai Ahmed, the Kwara State Governor for his support to the College.

I am also indebted to acknowledge the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Tertiary, Education, Science and Technology, Hajia (DR) Aminat Susa "De Ahmed and her team as well as the Chairman Governing Council of the College and the members for their supports and efforts on the progress of the College. God in His infinite mercy would guide and protect you and your families.

The entire College staff both academics and non-academics are also appreciated for their supports and co-operation so far. God would not fail you in- terms of needs. The Matriculation Committee is highly appreciated for their success in the organization and implementation of this programme. Infact, the Committee worked tirelessly to seeing that this programme did not flop. May God be with you all.

The Parents, guardians and friends here present are also appreciated for coming to rejoice with their children, wards and friends respectively. Your labours on them would not be in vain. I wish you journey mercies back to your destinations.

The entire students of the College, both old and freshers are also commended for their commitment to their studies, keep it up and put in your best. Your tireless efforts shall be crowned by God Almighty. You would definitely succeed Insha Allah.

Finally ladies and gentlemen, I thank you all for your attention and patience.

Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria,

Long live Kwara State,

Long live Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa.