By John Dike Osogbo
Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, has recorded a major academic achievement by emerging second nationally in Stage Two of the Prof. Hafiz Abubakar Hybrid Competition, securing qualification for the final stage of the national contest.
The feat places the institution among the four best-performing institutions in the competition, which brings together students of Food Science and Technology from universities and polytechnics across Nigeria.
According to the results released by the organisers, 12 institutions participated in the second stage, with Bayero University, Kano, emerging in first position, followed by Osun State Polytechnic, Iree.
The University of Mkar, Gboko, Benue State, came third, while the University of Ilorin secured the fourth position to complete the list of finalists.
The four institutions are expected to compete for top honours at the final stage of the competition, scheduled to hold during the 50th Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) Conference in October 2026.
Other institutions that participated in Stage Two included Modibbo Adama University, Yola; Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil; Ebonyi State University; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Yaba College of Technology; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; University of Calabar; and Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
OSPOLY’s latest accomplishment builds on its impressive performance in the first stage of the competition, where it emerged as the highest-ranked institution in Osun State before advancing to the national contest.
The achievement highlights the institution’s growing profile in academic competitions and underscores the capacity of its students to compete favourably with their counterparts from other higher institutions across the country.
The Prof. Hafiz Abubakar Hybrid Competition provides a platform for students to demonstrate their knowledge, research abilities, analytical thinking and academic writing skills in areas relating to food science and technology.
With its qualification for the final, Osun State Polytechnic will now face Bayero University, the University of Mkar and the University of Ilorin in the battle for national honours.
The institution’s second-place finish represents a significant milestone for its academic community and offers further recognition of its students’ efforts in advancing knowledge and excellence in food science and technology.
