…as Gov. Abiodun donates 28 seater bus to the institution

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced a N2 billion comprehensive intervention for Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta.

The governor disclosed this during the institution’s 15th combined convocation ceremony held at the school auditorium on Tuesday.

Governor Abiodun unveiled series of landmark developmental projects to be undertaken by the state government which includes a-500.seater ultra-modern lecture theatre, construction of access road leading to the institution’s auditorium, a new building for the Department of Accountancy, a new School of Business and Management Studies (SBMS) block and fully equipped modern library.

“This total intervention totals about N2 billion. We are investing N2 billion worth of infrastructure and development into this great institution,” the governor said.

Abiodun also presented cash prizes of N2.5 million each, to nine best graduating students spanning from 2015/2016 to 2023/2024.

He further announced the donation of a school bus to commemorate the milestone convocation.

The awardees include Sunday Augustine Chibuzor (2016, Civil Engineering – Structural)
Ogunjimi Titilope Olalekan (2017, Civil Engineering) Owolabi Joseph Oluwatobiloba (2018, Statistics)Adewusi Esther Kemi (2019, Food Technology) Adeoye Folashade Elizabeth (2020, Microbiology and Biology)Azeez Kadijat Oliwaseun (2021, Microbiology and Biology)
Ajibola Adeniyi Monday (2022, Civil Engineering), Orisawaye Samuel Emmanuel (2023, Civil Engineering) Akindele Damilare Michael (2024, Civil Engineering).

Delivering the Convocation lecture, the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in her lecture titled “Diaspora Perspectives and the Influence of STEM in the Globalized World of Today,” emphasized the critical role the Nigerian diaspora plays in national development.

Highlighting that over 20 million Nigerians are currently living abroad, she noted that their annual remittance contribution of $20 billion, which represents 5.7% of Nigeria’s GDP and is eleven times the nation’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the year.

While commending the MAPOLY’s rector for engaging alumni in the development of the institution, she urged the institution to strengthen its diaspora ties through conventions, mentorship programs, student exchanges and collaborative research.

Her words “this current Nigeria administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced a new approach to Nigeria’s foreign policy agenda, which he tagged 4Ds. Diplomacy: categorizing it to include Democracy, Demography, Development and Diaspora.

“This represents a significant addition of Diaspora, a departure from Nigeria’s traditional Afrocentric approach. The President’s strategy emphasizes leveraging the Nigerian diaspora, who are vital in enhancing the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and their host countries.

“The over 20 million Nigerians in the Diaspora are a major component of the overall development and thus are an economic force that cannot be ignored. This group of persons send about $20b as Home Remittances to Nigeria every year.

“This contribution is about 5.7% of the GDP of Nigeria and eleven times the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the year. They are well educated, resilient, resource endowed, exposed to development, alternative development paradigm, exposed to global best practices and patriotic in terms of maintaining filial relationships with Nigeria.

“The impact of the Diaspora on the economy of Nigeria cut across various sectors from agriculture, education, health, ICT, real estate, transportation, sports, trade and investments”.

In his address, the Rector of the institution, Dr. Adeoye Odedele Jolaoso, described the convocation as historic, marking a new era of stability, reform, and growth for the institution.

“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”.

The Rector highlighted his scorecard which included completion of the new School of Environmental Studies with support from TETFund and Ogun State government, clearing of N76 million debt owed to Unity Bank, boosting financial stability, expansion of admission quota by 3,000 students, increasing access to quality education, consistent payment of salaries, implementation of the 35%/25% salary review, and planned adoption of the new minimum wage, capacity building through staff training, academic conferences, and research support, launch of MAPOLY 99.7 FM, following the successful NBC license approval, restructuring of the Mechanical Engineering Department for in-house maintenance of school vehicles, timely release of academic results and adherence to academic calendar, restoring credibility in the institution’s academic processes.

Dr. Jolaoso, while appreciating the government’s support, appealed for further assistance in critical areas such as funding of accreditation and re-accreditation exercises, completion of students’ hostel project, provision of more lecture halls and office space, alternative energy solutions through solar power, rehabilitation and construction of internal roads, protection against land encroachment and illegal mining, resolution of land disputes and litigations.

“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”.

Caption:

L-R: Guest Speaker, Hon. Abike Dabiri; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Governor Dapo Abiodun; the Rector, Arc. Babatunde Jolaosho; Chairman, Governing Council of the institution, Prof. Kamalideen Balogun and the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, during the 15th combined Convocation Ceremony of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta on Tuesday.