…to honours Osoba, four others

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Moshood Abiola Polytechnics (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State will on Tuesday graduate 51,000 students during its 15th Combined Convocation Ceremony.

The convocation ceremony will feature the conferment of National Diplomas (ND) and Higher National Diplomas (HND) on graduands from both full-time and part-time programmes.

Addressing newsmen at a pre-convocation press conference held at the institution’s council chamber on Thursday, the Rector, Dr. Babatunde Jolaosho, described the ceremony as a “symbolic new beginning” for the polytechnic, which was established in 1979.

“This will be the first convocation since the 2014/2015 session,and it reflects a renewed spirit of progress and institutional rebirth at MAPOLY”.

He noted that since assuming office, his administration has embarked on rebranding and repositioning the 46-year-old institution, through improved academic calendar, infrastructural renewal and renewed staff-student confidence.

Dr. Jolaosho also disclosed that former governor of the state and veteran journalist, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, High Chief Tosin Owolabi Fadare; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goal and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State,Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire will be honoured will be conferred with Fellowship Award for their exceptional contributions to education, industry and national development.

He stated that award of excellence will be bestowed on Chairman of Adron Homes and Properties Ltd, Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King and National President of ACCOMORAN, Prince Shamsudeen Apelogun .

The convocation lecture, titled “Diaspora Perspective and the Influence of STEM in the Globalized World of Today”, will be delivered by Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), at the OGD Auditorium on the same day.

Describing the lecture as “forward-looking,” the Rector said it aligns with the polytechnic’s renewed focus on innovation and global relevance.

Dr. Jolaosho reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring MAPOLY’s lost glory and repositioning it as a centre of academic excellence.

He listed ongoing reforms including infrastructure upgrade, engagement with alumni and industries, academic calendar stabilization, and rebranding of the institution’s image in line with global best practices.

“With over 51,000 graduands, this convocation is a testament to the resilience of MAPOLY, and we are determined to chart a new course of growth and excellence,” the Rector said.