Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has approved a N2 billion intervention fund for infrastructure upgrades at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Ojere, Abeokuta.

The governor also announced a cash reward of N2.5 million for each of the best graduating students spanning the 2015/2016 to 2023/2024 academic sessions.

Governor Abiodun made the announcement during MAPOLY’s 15th combined convocation ceremony, which covered nine academic sessions from 2016 to 2024.

Reflecting on past setbacks, the governor criticized the relocation of the polytechnic to Ipokia under his predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, describing it as a misstep that negatively affected the institution’s growth.

He explained that one of the early tasks his administration faced was restoring the polytechnic to its former glory. Through multiple engagements with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the efforts of a dedicated fact-finding committee, the school regained its footing.

Due to the relocation, MAPOLY’s student population had dropped drastically from about 30,000 to just 5,000. However, Abiodun noted that ongoing revitalization efforts have seen the student count rise again to approximately 13,000.

He emphasized his government’s commitment to transforming the polytechnic into a centre of excellence for human capital development.

Among the planned projects under the N2bn intervention are:

A 500-seater ultramodern lecture theatre

Reconstruction of the access road to the auditorium

A new, fully equipped modern library

A dedicated building for the Accountancy Department

Additional internal road construction

He reiterated: “Each best graduating student will receive a cash award of N2.5 million.”

Addressing the 51,000 graduating students, Abiodun encouraged them to embrace innovation, resilience, and excellence.

He said, “The future holds both challenges and limitless opportunities. Be bold, creative, and determined. Let the knowledge and values acquired here guide you to become agents of change in your communities, state, nation, and the world.”

In his speech, MAPOLY Rector, Dr. Babatunde Jolaoso, highlighted the achievements of his six-month-old administration, including improved harmony between staff and students and the push for sustainable academic excellence.

He announced that the institution had received full broadcast rights for 99.7FM MAPOLY Campus Radio from the National Broadcasting Commission and had also cleared a longstanding debt of N76 million owed to a commercial bank.

However, the rector appealed to the government to fund upcoming accreditation exercises, complete the abandoned student hostel project, and support further development of lecture halls and internal roads.

Chairman of the Governing Council, Emeritus Professor Kamaldeen Balogun, thanked the governor for his support and noted the positive transformation currently taking place at the polytechnic.

Delivering the convocation lecture, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), urged youths intending to migrate to do so legally, warning of the dangers of irregular migration.

She shared distressing accounts of Nigerians who faced tragic fates abroad due to illegal migration paths and encouraged the institution to develop partnerships with the Nigerian diaspora to unlock development opportunities.