The new Governing Council Chairman of the fast-growing Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, Honourable Yakubu Dati, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR), is an astute professional of multidisciplinary callings. 

Appointed by His Excellency, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to succeed the institution’s second Governing Council Chairman, Barrister (Mrs.) Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu, Hon. Dati is poised to bring his wealth of experiences to take Federal Polytechnic Ayede to her enviable heights.

Interestingly, the immediate past Chairman, Barrister Adelabu, took over from a panjandrum in the global legal community, Professor Dakas Clement James Dakas, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who was the pioneer Governing Council Chairman of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, an institution envisioned to be a world class institution for innovative and technical education reputed for adding values to human developments through enterprising and innovative graduates.

Honourable Dati, a professional with an incredible resume, was born on May 22, 1962 in Plateau State, North-Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria. He had his primary, secondary and tertiary education in Jos. He studied Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in the Department of Theatre Arts in the year 1986. He also holds a Master of Art degree in International Law and Diplomacy. Among others, Honourable Dati holds a Diploma in Airport Operations from Airport Council International, Montreal, Canada.

He is a Nigerian politician who has served his state and the country at large meritoriously in different capacities.

Among others, Honourable Dati has served as Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning in Plateau State from 2019 to 2023. He had earlier served as Commissioner for Information and Communications from 2018 to 2019. Between 2005 and 2007, he also served as Commissioner for Information and Strategy  and as Commissioner for Youth and Sports from 2003 to 2005.

Dati's experience in the Nigerian government also includes a role as a spokesperson for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). From 2012 to 2015, he oversaw communications strategies for all agencies under the Ministry of Aviation. Additionally, from 2010 to 2012. At another time, Dati served as a Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry.

As a grassroots politician, Dati served as Executive Chairman of Mafikang Local Government Area of Plateau State from 1999 to 2002 before his appointment as a Special Assistant to the State Governor on Strategic Planning from 2002 to 2003.

Dati is reputed for being a strong advocate for democratic dialogue and stakeholder engagement, playing pivotal roles in shaping policies and fostering effective communication within the Nigerian political landscape.

In 2025, Hon. Yakubu Dati became the third Chairman, Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, Nigeria. He is happily married and his marriage is blessed with children.

It is, therefore, in the spirit of high expectation centering on development that the entire Federal Polytechnic Ayede Community welcomes Honourable Dati, the third Chairman of our Council, to the fast-growing FEDPA. On behalf of our Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE, FNIEEE, FIMC, FIPMD, FIPQM), other Principal Officers, Staff and Students, we welcome the third Chairman of our Governing Council and wish him success in all his endeavours.