Daud Olatunji
Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, on Tuesday witnessed a momentous revival as Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, announced a ₦2 billion intervention fund during the institution’s 15th Combined Convocation Ceremony — its first in nearly a decade.
The governor, who also doubles as the Visitor to the institution, further stunned the crowd when he declared a ₦2.5 million cash reward each for nine best graduating students from the 2016 to 2024 academic sessions, bringing the total student reward to ₦22.5 million.
The ceremony, held at the school’s Ojere campus, marked a significant turning point for MAPOLY, with over 51,000 graduates from eight academic sessions finally receiving their diplomas after years of administrative delays.
Governor Abiodun said the ₦2 billion fund would be deployed for the construction of key facilities, including:
A 500-seater ultra-modern lecture theatre, a state-of-the-art library,a new Department of Accountancy building, and reconstruction of the access road leading to the school’s auditorium.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening technical education, describing MAPOLY as a critical engine for manpower development in Ogun State.
In what many described as an unprecedented gesture of encouragement, Abiodun announced a ₦2.5 million prize for each of the nine best graduating students across the sessions from 2016 to 2024.
The beneficiaries are ; 2016 – Sunday Augustine Chibuzor (Civil Engineering), 2017 – Ogunjimi Titilope Olalekan (Civil Engineering), 2018 – Owolabi Joseph Oluwatobiloba (Statistics), 2019 – Adeusi Esther Kemi (Food Technology), 2020 – Adeoye Folashade Elizabeth (Microbiology & Biology),2021 – Azeez Khadijat Oluwaseun (Microbiology & Biology), 2022 – Ajibola Adeniyi Monday (Civil Engineering), 2023 – Orisawayi Samuel Emmanuel (Civil Engineering) and 2024 – Akindele Damilare Michael (Civil Engineering)
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the total cash award amounts to ₦22.5 million, signalling government recognition of academic brilliance.
In his address, Rector Arc. Dr. Babatunde Adekoyejo Jolaoso — the first alumnus to lead the institution — lauded the event as a defining moment for the 46-year-old polytechnic.
Since his appointment in December 2024, Jolaoso said MAPOLY had begun experiencing reforms rooted in “resilience, results, and a renewed vision.”
Highlights of achievements under his leadership include: clearance of ₦76 million debt owed to Unity Bank, Construction of a new School of Environmental Studies building (commissioned during the ceremony), MAPOLY FM (99.7 FM) now fully operational, 3,000-student increase in admission capacity and regular payment of salaries, staff promotions, and a 35%/25% salary review
Other s according to him, were ; mechanical Engineering students refurbishing grounded vehicles as part of hands-on training, and adherence to academic calendar and prompt result releases
Jolaoso noted that these milestones signal the birth of a “New MAPOLY” positioned for excellence and national competitiveness.
Despite the progress, the Rector urged the state government to address pressing challenges affecting the institution. These include:completion of student hostels, funding for accreditation of programmes ,internal road infrastructure, security and protection of the institution’s land,and installation of solar power systems.
“These are urgent needs if MAPOLY must truly lead in polytechnic education across Nigeria,” he said.
The convocation also saw the conferment of Fellowship Honours on : aremo Olusegun Osoba, CFR, CON – Former Governor of Ogun State, high Chief ‘Tosin Owolabi Fadare, FCA – Seriki of Egbaland and alumnus, princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, OFR – Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State
Awards of Excellence were given to: aare Adetola Emmanuelking, businessman and philanthropist, prince Dr. Adebayo Apelogun, ACOMORAN President
A rector Jolaoso charged the graduating students to be agents of transformation.
“Your certificate is not just a paper; it’s a call to transform society. Go into the world with integrity, innovation, and impact,” he said.
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