The institution was founded to offer an alternative form of higher education, with a specific focus on acquiring technical skills distinct from traditional universities..[2] The vocational and skills acquisition center aims to guarantee that students acquire mastery in a skill before graduating, while also offering skills training to the local community.Poly Ibadan is also well known for its unique slogan written in Yoruba language as Ise loogun ise which means 'Work is the antidote for poverty', a classical Yoruba adage which stresses that hard work is the way out of poverty.

[3][4] The institution offers a wide range of specialized short courses for the purpose of improving the vocational capabilities of technical and commercial workers.

It also provides opportunities for creative development and research related to the needs of teaching, industry and the business community.

[6] On the 28th March 2024 Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state appointed Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi as the new acting Rector of the polytechnic Ibadan.

[10] The existing collection comprises approximately 79,500 volumes, and the Library subscribes to around 200 journal titles.