Gov. Abiodun Unveils ₦2bn Development Projects For MAPOLY, Rewards Best Graduates With ₦22.5m Each

ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – In a landmark gesture aimed at revitalizing technical education, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, announced a ₦2 billion intervention package for Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, during the institution’s 15th Combined Convocation Ceremony.

Addressing the gathering at the Ojere campus, Governor Abiodun, who is also the Visitor to the institution, said the fund would be channeled into the construction of key infrastructure projects.

These include a 500-seater ultra-modern lecture theatre, a state-of-the-art library, a new Department of Accountancy building, and the reconstruction of the access road to the school auditorium.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education, Abiodun described MAPOLY as a vital engine for manpower development in the state.

In a surprise announcement that drew widespread applause, the governor also awarded ₦2.5 million each to the nine best graduating students from the 2016 to 2024 academic sessions – a total of ₦22.5 million in cash rewards.

List of Awardees include 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)

The ceremony marked a turning point for the 46-year-old institution, as over 51,000 students from eight academic sessions finally received their diplomas following years of administrative delays.

Earlier in his address, the Rector, Arc. (Dr.) Babatunde Adekoyejo Jolaoso – the first alumnus to head the institution – hailed the convocation as a defining moment in MAPOLY’s history. Since assuming office in December 2024, he said the institution had undergone transformational reforms built on “resilience, results, and a renewed vision.”

Key milestones under his leadership include clearance of ₦76 million debt owed to Unity Bank; completion of a new School of Environmental Studies building; launch of MAPOLY FM (99.7 FM) and increase of admission capacity by 3,000 students.

Others are timely salary payments and staff promotions; implementation of a 35%/25% salary review; hands-on engineering projects like vehicle refurbishment; strict adherence to academic calendar and prompt result releases

“These achievements reflect the emergence of a ‘New MAPOLY’ – poised for excellence and national relevance”, he posited.

Despite the progress, Arc. Jolaoso appealed to the state government to address urgent challenges still facing the institution. These include completion of student hostels; accreditation funding for key programmes; rehabilitation of internal roads; strengthening of campus security and installation of solar power systems

“These interventions are critical if MAPOLY is to truly lead in polytechnic education across Nigeria”, he emphasized.

He concluded by charging the graduating students to embrace innovation and integrity, saying, “Your certificate is not just a paper; it’s a call to transform society. Go into the world with impact.”

The convocation also featured the conferment of Fellowship Honours on notable personalities including Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Ogun State Governor; High Chief ‘Tosin Owolabi Fadare, Seriki of Egbaland and an alumnus of the institution, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulure, former Lagos State Deputy Governor

Awards of Excellence were also presented to Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, a renowned businessman and Prince (Dr.) Adebayo Apelogun, National President of ACOMORAN.