Abiodun Rewards Nine MAPOLY Best Graduating Students with N2.5m Each, Announces N2bn Intervention for Institution

The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has announced a N2 billion intervention fund to support infrastructural development at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Ojere, Abeokuta.

Governor Abiodun also revealed a cash award of N2.5 million for each of the best graduating students from the 2015/2016 to 2023/2024 academic sessions. He made these announcements during the institution’s 15th combined convocation ceremony, which covered nine academic sessions between 2016 and 2024.

The governor expressed regret over the previous administration’s decision to relocate MAPOLY to Ipokia and rename it Ogun State Polytechnic, describing the move as a setback for the institution. He noted that restoring the institution to its former glory was one of the early challenges his administration faced.

According to him, through multiple engagements with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the efforts of a fact-finding committee, the polytechnic was eventually revived.

Governor Abiodun explained that due to the poorly conceived relocation plan, student enrollment at the 46-year-old institution plummeted from around 30,000 to just 5,000. However, with sustained revitalization efforts, enrollment has now risen to approximately 13,000.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to making MAPOLY a centre of excellence in human capital development, the governor unveiled several projects under the N2 billion intervention plan. These include:

• Construction of a 500-seater ultra-modern lecture theatre
• Construction of access roads to the polytechnic auditorium
• Establishment of a state-of-the-art library
• Development of a new building for the Accountancy Department
• Additional road infrastructure within the institution

He added, “For each best graduating student across the nine sessions, a cash prize of N2.5 million will be awarded.”

Governor Abiodun also charged the over 51,000 graduating students to be bold, innovative, and determined to make a positive impact on society.

“The future may come with challenges, but it holds even greater possibilities. You must be daring, resilient, and innovative. Let the knowledge and values acquired here guide you to be agents of change. Go forth, impact your community, the state, the nation, and the world, and always be proud ambassadors of this great institution,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Rector of MAPOLY, Dr. Babatunde Jolaoso, highlighted the achievements of his six-month tenure, including restoring peace and stability among staff and students, securing the long-awaited approval from the National Broadcasting Commission for the polytechnic’s 99.7FM campus radio station, and clearing a N76 million debt owed to a commercial bank.

Dr. Jolaoso appealed to the state government for adequate support to complete pending accreditation exercises, abandoned student hostel projects, lecture rooms, and internal road networks.

While congratulating the graduating students, the rector urged them to apply their knowledge for meaningful contributions to society and to avoid actions that could tarnish their reputation or that of the institution.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Emeritus Professor Kamaldeen Balogun, commended Governor Abiodun for his unwavering support and qualitative leadership, which, he noted, is redefining academic excellence at the polytechnic.

Delivering the convocation lecture titled “Diaspora Perspectives and the Influence of STEM in Today’s Globalised World,” the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, encouraged young Nigerians seeking to migrate to do so legally to avoid tragic and life-threatening consequences.

She recounted harrowing experiences of Nigerians who, due to illegal migration, fell victim to slavery, forced prostitution, and even death.

Dr. Dabiri-Erewa urged the polytechnic to foster collaborations with Nigerians in the diaspora and leverage the opportunities such partnerships present for the institution’s growth and development.