In a significant step to boost Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced a N2bn intervention for the state-owned Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, with a view to boosting critical infrastructure that will further bolster an environment conducive for teaching and learning in the institution.
Speaking during the 15th combined convocation for over 51,000 graduates of the 2015 to 2024 academic sessions, Abiodun, who is also the Visitor to the polytechnic, announced cash rewards of N22.5m to the nine best-graduating students, who all bagged distinctions across various disciplines. Each of them got N2.5m.
The recipients are Sonde Augustine Chibuzor, Civil Engineering (Structural), 2015/2016; Ogunjimi Titilope Olalekan, Civil Engineering (Structural), 2016/2017; Owolabi Joseph Oluwatobiloba, Mathematics/Statistics, 2017/2018; Adewusi Esther Oluwakemi, Food Technology, 2018/2019; Adeoye Folasade Elizabeth, Science Laboratory Technology (Microbiology/Biology), 2019/2020; Azeez Kadijat Oluwaseun, Science Laboratory Technology (Microbiology/Biology), 2020/2021; Ajibola Adeniyi Monday, Civil Engineering (Structural), 2021/2022;Orisawayi Samuel Emmanuel, Civil Engineering (Structural), 2022/23; and Akindele Damilare Michael, Civil Engineering (Structural), 2023/2024.
Abiodun disclosed that the N2bn interventions included the construction of a 500-seater ultra-modern lecture theatre, a new access road to the auditorium, a dedicated building for the Department of Accountancy, a new School of Business and Management Studies (SBMS) block, and the equipping of a state-of-the-art library. He further announced the donation of a 28-seater bus to ease transportation in and out of the institution. He was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele.
“As part of our unwavering commitment to advancing education in Ogun State, we are proud to announce a comprehensive N2 billion intervention at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta. Our interventions will include the construction of a 500-seater ultramodern lecture theatre, a new access road to the auditorium, a dedicated building for the Department of Accountancy, a new School of Business and Management Studies (SBMS) block, and the equipping of a state-of-the-art library. We also donated a 28-seater bus to the institution as part of the convocation commemoration,” he stated.
The governor added “In recognition of academic excellence, we have awarded a cash gift of N2.5 million each to the best graduating students from the 2015 to 2024 sets. These young achievers represent the future of our state, and we are proud to celebrate their brilliance.
“MAPOLY has been a beacon of academic excellence, producing thousands of graduates who are contributing meaningfully to society. Reviving the institution from its former comatose state to its current thriving status is a testament to our administration’s commitment to revitalising public education. We reaffirm our belief in the power of education, particularly in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as a tool for empowerment and sustainable development.’’
As part of the convocation ceremony, the governor also inaugurated the newly-established MAPOLY Radio 99.7 FM Ojere Abeokuta – a Sustainable Development Goals-focused campus radio.
Salako-Oyedele formally unveiled the new radio station and commended the polytechnic management for the establishment of the broadcast outfit. Test-running the station; she congratulated the graduating students,wishing them greater successes in their post-graduation endeavours.
The Rector, MAPOLY, Dr. Babatunde Adekoyejo Jolaoso – the 10th Rector and first alumnus of the 46-year-old polytechnic to be appointed – in his welcome speech, said the combined convocation ceremony was symbolic being the first since 2016, noting that it was also the opening of a new chapter in the polytechnic’s annals of history.
“This convocation is particularly symbolic, as it is the first since 2016; a gap that reflects the challenges the institution has faced in recent years and a testimony of our collective resolve to make better as an enviable institution of excellence and reference, while ensuring that MAPOLY remains a leading polytechnic of repute in Nigeria. With focused leadership and a clear sense of direction and commitment of one and all, we are writing a new chapter in the history of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, a chapter marked by dedication, resilience, cooperation, collaboration, transformation, and growth,’’ he enthused.
Jolaoso commended Governor Abiodun for the confidence reposed in him by appointing him as the Rector and for his unwavering support and commitment to the growth of the institution, as well as the growth of the education sector in Ogun State generally.
He stated, “Your Excellency, I remain very grateful for the honour and privilege to serve this citadel of learning as the first alumnus to occupy this office under your purposeful and people-focused leadership. Your support and commitment to education in Ogun State continue to inspire our efforts and initiatives towards rebuilding and repositioning MAPOLY for global relevance.’’
He also commended the polytechnic’s Governing Council led by Emeritus Professor Kamaldeen Abdulazeez Balogun for its exceptional leadership, strategic guidance, and steadfast support.
The Rector disclosed that by taking certain proactive steps, polytechnic leadership under his watch has restored confidence and strengthened governance, as well as improved academic standards and staff welfare. “We have fostered an atmosphere of peace, stability, and mutual understanding among members of staff and students. Employees now demonstrate a clear commitment to their duties, exhibiting resilience, renewed enthusiasm, excitement, and dedication. Together with all committed and dedicated stakeholders, we have worked tirelessly to reposition MAPOLY on the path of excellence and sustainability,’’ he stated.
He pointed out that some of the notable achievements of his leadership included infrastructure development, academic growth and increased access to quality education for the students, staff welfare and capacity building, skills development and capacity improvement, financial stability and institutional growth, stakeholder engagements and institutional partnerships, academic calendar compliance and timely release of results, and the establishment of MAPOLY campus radio.
Jolaoso highlighted the urgent needs of the institution and appealed to Governor Abiodun for timely assistance. The needs include funding of accreditation exercises, completion of students’ hostel projects, construction of classrooms and office spaces, provision of alternative energy solutions, construction of internal roads, addressing land encroachment and illegal mining, and resolution of prolonged land disputes and litigations.
A significant highlight of the convocation ceremony was the conferment of Fellowship Honours on three prominent individuals and Awards of Excellence to two outstanding individuals whose contributions to the society exemplified excellence, leadership, and service. The fellowship awardees included the former Governor of Ogun State and Elder Statesman, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; and the Seriki of Egbaland and a distinguished alumnus of MAPOLY, High Chief ‘Tosin Owolabi Fadare.
Awards of Excellence were given to the Chairman of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King; and the National President of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, Prince Shamsudeen Apelogun, for their contributions to society.
