ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described graduates of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, as dynamic and resilient who have contributed immensely to the transformative and economic growth of the country in their various fields.
The governor disclosed this on Tuesday at the 15th combined convocation of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, held at the OGD auditorium of the institution.
Abiodun said the Polytechnic boasts of a legacy of academic excellence, professional distinction, and vocational relevance.
According to the governor, the institution has produced thousands of graduates who have gone to become trailblazers across various sectors, both within and beyond the shores of Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme of the convocation, “Diaspora perspective and the influence of STEM in the globalized world,” Abiodun posited that it reflects the Polytechnic’s focus on global relevance, excellence and strategic collaboration.
He noted that his administration recognized the pivotal role of STEM education in driving sustainable growth.
He stressed that the state government has made deliberate investments in research, skills development, and technology enhanced education aimed at building globally competitive graduates.
He emphasized that his administration has considered technical and vocational education as a strategic pathway to tackle youth unemployment, fostering self-reliance, and promoting industrial advancement.
He maintained that, as part of his Building Our Future Together agenda, the state has launched numerous student-focused policies, scholarships, bursaries, and interest-free educational loans through the Ogun State Education Trust Fund.
He urged the over 51,000 graduating students to be bold, innovative, and resilient, using the knowledge gained to become agents of change and proud ambassadors of the institution.
He encouraged them to go out and make a lasting impact on their communities and the world.
“This convocation is a significant milestone in the lives of our graduating students, but also a proud chapter in the continuing history of prestigious, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, and indeed our dear Ogun state.
“MAPOLY, named after one of Nigeria’s greatest patriots and sons of Ogun state, Bashorun MKO Abiola, GCON, has long earned its place of honour in Nigeria’s educational landscape.
“Therefore, the ultimate purpose of education is to create better citizens who are blessings to others, a foundational principle as we celebrate this regeneration process with today’s combined convocation.
“It has produced thousands of graduates who have gone on to become trailblazers across various sectors, both within and beyond our national borders. Today’s convocation is, therefore, very unique, not just a ceremonial rite of passage. It is the fifteenth combined convocation ceremony, the first since 2015.
“It is an opportunity to showcase two transformative projects, the MAPOLY Radio 99.7 FM and the School of Environmental Studies Building, both of which symbolize the future facing vision of this great institution.
“To our parents and guardians, this day is a testament to your unwavering prayers, your sacrifices, and enduring support. You have nurtured these young minds and guided them to this point of achievement and promise. As a father as well, I deeply relate to the emotions of this moment. Let me emphasize that this convocation represents not only the conclusion of an academic journey but also the celebration of resilience, excellence, and a firm commitment to institutional development. Education is indeed a leveler. The theme of this convocation lecture is “diaspora perspective and the influence of STEM in the globalized world of today.
“In Ogun state, we do recognize the pivotal role of STEM education in driving sustainable growth. Through our education and revitalization agenda, we have made deliberate investments in research in skills development and technology enhanced education, all aimed at building globally competitive graduates.
“We consider technical and
vocational education is a strategic pathway to tackling youth unemployment, fostering self-reliance, and promoting industrial advancement. This is why our administration has consistently prioritized technical and vocational training as a key pillar of our ISEYA development agenda.
“As part of our Building Our Future Together agenda, we have launched numerous student-focused policies, scholarships, bursaries, and interest-free educational loans through the Ogun State Education Trust Fund. These are not just policies. They are investments in human capital in the belief that the youth of Ogun State deserve the best tools to succeed globally.
“MAPOLY, today is more dynamic, more resilient, and future ready. The focus on entrepreneurship and the performance of its graduates speak volumes of a revitalized system powered by strategic government support and committed stakeholders.
“To our graduating students. I offer these words of encouragement. The future may present challenges, but it also holds endless possibilities. Be fearless, be innovating, and be more resilence.”
The governor, therefore, announced the sum of N2.5 million each for the nine outstanding graduating students since 2016 to 2024.
In his welcome address, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Architect Jolaoso appealed for more funding to provide quality education for the students.
He sought government intervention to resolve the encroachment of the Polytechnic’s land, illegal mining activities which threaten the safety, expansion, and long-term development.
Reeling out his achievements, the Rector said he had cleared backlog of debt spanning N76 million, secured NBC approval for MAPOLY Radio, construction of new environmental studies building, and upward review of students admission quota by 3000.
