Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced a comprehensive ₦2 billion intervention package aimed at revitalising infrastructure at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Ojere, Abeokuta. This declaration was made during the institution’s 15th combined convocation ceremony, covering graduates from the 2015/2016 to 2023/2024 academic sessions.
The governor also declared a ₦2.5 million cash award for each of the best graduating students across the nine academic sessions being celebrated.
Rebuilding MAPOLY After a Period of Decline
Governor Abiodun lamented the challenges faced by the polytechnic following the previous administration's decision to relocate it to Ipokia and rename it Ogun State Polytechnic—a move he said significantly disrupted the institution’s growth trajectory.
“The decision was not well-thought-out. MAPOLY, which once had a population of 30,000 students, dropped to as low as 5,000,” the governor said.
He narrated how his administration took deliberate steps to revive the institution, including repeated engagements with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the formation of a fact-finding committee to reposition the school.
“Today, we are back on the path to excellence. MAPOLY now has about 13,000 students and continues to grow.”
Major Infrastructure Projects Announced
As part of the intervention, Governor Abiodun listed several capital projects aimed at modernising the polytechnic’s learning environment:
- A 500-seater ultra-modern lecture theatre
- Reconstruction of the road leading to the auditorium
- Construction of a modern library
- A new Accountancy Department building
- Other internal road projects within the campus
“All these interventions are valued at ₦2 billion,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to making the institution a centre of excellence for human capital development.
Empowering Excellence: Cash Awards for Star Graduates
Governor Abiodun also used the occasion to reward academic excellence by announcing a ₦2.5 million cash prize for each best graduating student from the 2015/2016 to the 2023/2024 academic years.
“This is a symbolic way of honouring hard work and motivating our students to strive for greatness,” he added.
He encouraged the graduating class of 51,000 students to embrace innovation, resilience, and bold thinking in tackling challenges ahead.
“Let the knowledge and values you acquired here be your driving force to be change agents. Go forth and make a difference — in your communities, Nigeria, and the world at large.”
The Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, Gov Dapo Abiodun, the Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, Abeokuta during the 15th combined convocation held on Tuesday. In handshake with the governor is the Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo.
MAPOLY Leadership Commends Stability, Seeks More Government Support
In his address, MAPOLY Rector Dr. Babatunde Jolaoso praised the governor’s intervention and highlighted his own efforts within just six months in office to stabilise the school.
He listed key achievements such as:
- Resolving a ₦76 million debt owed to a commercial bank
- Securing full transmission rights from the National Broadcasting Commission for 99.7FM MAPOLY Campus Radio
- Improving relations among students and staff to foster academic excellence
However, Jolaoso appealed for additional government support, especially in areas such as:
- Funding of accreditation exercises
- Completion of abandoned student hostel projects
- More lecture rooms and road construction
Governing Council and Stakeholders Praise Reforms
Chairman of MAPOLY’s Governing Council, Emeritus Professor Kamaldeen Balogun, applauded the governor for redefining academic excellence and providing the leadership needed to return the polytechnic to its once enviable status.
In the same vein, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), delivered the convocation lecture titled “Diaspora Perspectives and the Influence of STEM in the Globalised World of Today.”
She urged Nigerian youth to migrate through legal channels, citing tragic stories of illegal migration that often end in exploitation or death.
“Migration should be purposeful and lawful. The institution should also build diaspora partnerships to attract development opportunities,” she advised.
A Future Full of Possibility
As MAPOLY marks a historic milestone in its journey, the convocation ceremony served not just as a celebration of academic achievements, but also as a strong signal of the institution’s renewed trajectory. With firm government backing and a clearer vision, MAPOLY appears poised for a new era of excellence.