Ogun State Government has revealed plan to spend the sum of N2 billion on intervention projects at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta,the State capital
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this during the institution's 15th combined Convocation Ceremony for the 2015-2016 till 2023/2024 academic session held at its capacity filled OGD Auditorium on the Ojere campus in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
He listed some of the intervention projects to include a 500-seater ultramodern hall, the construction of the road leading to the institution's auditorium, the construction of a building for the Department of Accountancy, the construction and equipping of a new library, and a new 28-seater bus to commemorate the 15th convocation ceremony.
Governor Abiodun, who was impressed with the achievements of the school since its inception, announced a cash gift of N2.5 million for each of the best graduating students from the 2015 to 2024 sets.
"We will be building a 500-seater ultramodern lecture theatre. We will be constructing the road leading to the auditorium of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. We will also be constructing a building for the Department of Accountancy", he stated
"We will be constructing the new SBMS block and equipping a modern library as well. This total intervention amounts to about N2 billion, so we will invest about N2 billion worth of interventions in this institution.
"In our usual manner, we will be celebrating the best graduating students over the years. That means that we have a list of the best graduating students from 2016 onwards."
The institution, the governor noted, has produced thousands of graduates who have contributed to the development and growth of the state, country, and wherever they find themselves, adding that the decision to bring back the defunct Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, which was turned into Ogun State Polytechnic and moved to Ipokia, is yielding results, just as the ecosystem of the school, which was in a comatose state, has been revived.
He described the convocation as a milestone for the students, stating that education produces better individuals who would be a blessing to society, urging them to be innovative and resilient in the face of challenges, as they have been equipped to be change-makers.
The governor said his administration acknowledges the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, considering technology education as a means of tackling unemployment.
He congratulated the parents and guardians for their steadfastness in supporting their children's education, noting that their sacrifices have been rewarded with the graduation of their children and wards.
The Chairman of the Governing Council of the institution, Emeritus Prof. Kamarudeen Balogun stated that the school has made progress in academics and other endeavours, appreciating the governor for supporting the council to achieve its objectives.
Rector of the institution, Dr. (Arc.) Babatunde Jolaoso was full of appreciation to Governor Abiodun, the State Commissioner for Education Science and Technology Prof Abayomi and Arigbabu and members of the governing council for providing the enabling environment for restoration of the past glory of MAPOLY as centre of academic excellence
The institution according to him, has increased its student population by 3,000, ensure regular release of academic results for every semester and sustain conducive for staff and students
The Rector then appealed to the State Government for continuous support, particularly in the areas of funding of the accreditation exercise of academic programmes for the polytechnic which according to him, will sustain the standard and credibility of MAPOLY
"I humbly appeal for the continued and increased support of the Ogun State Government in the following critical areas:Funding of Accreditation Exercises Adequate and timely funding is essential to ensure the successful accreditation and re-accreditation of our academic programmes, which is fundamental to maintaining the credibility and standard of our certificates"
Dr. Jolaoso also stressed the need for completion of hostel facilities on campus to accommodate growing student population on campus in addition to construction of additional lecture halls , installation of solar power facility as well as addressing the issue of land encroachment and illegal mining activities affecting the expansion of the 46 year -old institution
"Completion of Students’ Hostel Project With a growing student population, the completion of existing hostel facilities will greatly alleviate accommodation challenges and improve student welfare on campus", he stated
Construction of Classrooms and Office Spaces As our academic and administrative activities expand, the demand for additional lecture halls and office accommodation becomes more pressing.Provision of Alternative Energy Solutions We seek support for the installation of solar energy systems to guarantee reliable power supply, reduce dependence on the national grid, and enhance our operational efficiency. Construction of Internal Roads
The improvement and expansion of our internal road network will enhance physical development/growth, mobility within the campus, improve access to facilities, and create a more conducive environment for learning and work. Addressing Land Encroachment and Illegal Mining
The Polytechnic has been grappling with persistent issues of land encroachment and illegal mining activities, which threaten the safety, expansion, and long-term development of our institution. We appeal to the Ogun State Government for urgent intervention to secure and protect our land boundaries.
Resolution of Land Disputes and Litigations In addition, several portions of our land are under prolonged legal disputes and litigations. We seek the Government’s support in facilitating a peaceful and lasting resolution to these matters to prevent further delays in developmental projects.
"We are confident that with your continued support and intervention in these areas, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic will not only sustain its current momentum but will also become a model for innovation, resilience, and excellence in the Nigerian polytechnic system", he assured
High points of the convocation included the award of National Diploma and Higher National Diploma certificates to the graduating sets beginning from 2015/2016 till 2023/2024 academic session, presentation of prizes to the outstanding graduands and conferment of Fellowship of the institution on former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba represented by Hon. Kunle Adeyemi, former deputy governor of Lagos State and Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Social Development Goal Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire represented by Mr. Akin Adeboboye and Seriki of Egbaland, High Chief Fadare
The Seriki of Egbaland, an alumnus of MAPOLY on behalf of the other Fellowship awardees and others honoured with awards of excellence, pledged continuous commitment to the growth of MAPOLY
Deputy Governor of the State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele on behalf of the governor later commissioned the newly completed School of Environmental Studies complex and MAPOLY Radio Studio at the Department of Mass Communication
Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa delivering the convocation lecture titled "Diaspora Perspective and The Influence of STEM In Globalized World Today", emphasised the need for the graduands to demonstrate resilence and determination by using skills acquired to be job creators in stead of being misled to travel outside the country where they will be exploited under the guise of seeking greener pasture
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