Histories rarely have just one beginning. Thus, this Association came into existence as a result of different strands synthesizing together into one body. It began when some old students of the Department of Art, Design and Printing Technology of The Polytechnic, Ibadan recognized the unique atmosphere and history the school fostered, not only in its physical beauty but also with its sense of camaraderie that encourages lifelong relationships. It was in this context that some Alumni from the Department resolved and agreed in early 2021 to float a body to network old students into the Association of Fine Arts Students Alumni Association.

The aimed to encourage participation among ND and HND graduates of the Department. This agreement to come together led to the formation of a WhatsApp group with a small population of visionary, creative and dedicated individuals.

The decision of this group eventually birthed the dream of hosting a reputable Association to motivate active members towards propelling the Department to greater heights. The splendid response given to the suggestion for such an Association was indicative of the interest other Alumni had in the possibilities of a working Association that would be the pride of the Department of Arts, Design and Printing Technology as well as their great institution and Alma Mater, The Polytechnic Ibadan.

The initially rolled-out plan was to gather people of like minds to deliberate on the aims and objectives of forming the Association. Through the collaborative efforts of a dedicated committee of volunteers, the bold step was taken to register the Association with the Corporate Affairs Commission, as well as formulate its constitution and by-laws. That committee comprised Mr. Yakubu Adekunle, Pastor Gbenga Oladokun, Mr. Jide Oyeleye, Mr. Aremu Olugbenga, Mr. Wale Onakoya, Mrs. Yemi Ajewole Alade and Mrs. Lola Aduroja. All of these distinguished old students immensely contributed their time, energy and resources to the registration, account opening and provision of other logistics for the birth of this global Alumni group.

With that foundation, real progress was finally underway for laying the Association on a sound pedestal. Next came another committee of eminent Alumni, the Inauguration Committee, comprising: Mr. Gbenga Oladokun as the Chairman, Mr. Wale Onakoya, Mr. Yakubu Adekunle, Mrs. Yemi Ajewole-Alade, Dr Sola Alimi, Mr. Jimmy O’ Peters, Mr. Jide Oyeleye, Mr. Gbenga Aremu, Mr. ‘Femi Adeyinka, Mr. Andrew Akinbodewa, Mr. Dayo Sapoloso and Mrs. Lola Aduroja. Their committee was laden with the task of planning the official presentation of the Association to other Alumni, the heads of the Department and the management of The Polytechnic Ibadan.

Building upon the tradition and heritage of our previous Alumni chapters, the Association’s mission has been determined to be to:

• Advance the interests of the members, students and the Department expand the Department’s Alumni network and continue the development of volunteer opportunities for Alumni to be active in the affairs of the Association and its future.

• Remaining faithful to the ethos and values that inspired its creation, the Association will continue to build and strengthen the relationship between the mother Department and its Alumni.

• It will strive to keep all AFAS Alumni passionate about their scholarship experience and engender pride in their educational foundation by nurturing personal connections with the Department as well as with fellow Alumni nationally and globally.