MAPOLY Set to Graduate 51,000 Students at Combined Convocation for Nine Sessions, Confer Honours on Former Governor, Osoba, Four Others

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

Authorities of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, have announced the readiness Polytechnic to hold a combined convocation ceremony, to graduate over 51,000 students across different Departments, spanning nine academic sessions, dated 2015/2016 to 2023/2024.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Rector of the state-owned Polytechnic, Arc. Dr. Babatunde Koye Jolaosho, made this disclosure during a pre-convocation press briefing at the Council Chamber of the Polytechnic's Administative building, Ojere, Abeokuta on Thursday. 

Arc. Jolaoso, who told newsmen that the forthcoming "convocation is not just ceremonial, but symbolic of a new beginning at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic," revealed that the event is another addition to the strings of bold steps taken "to reposition the Polytechnic for greater visibility, academic excellence, and structural transformation", within the last since months of his assumption of office as Rector.

He noted that his administration has consciously worked on reworking the institutional architecture of the 46-year-old institution by embarking upon several strategic moves targeted at rebranding and repositioning it with particular focus on improved academic calendars, infrastructural renewal, as well as staff and students welfare. 

According to him, the 15th Combined Convocation Ceremony is a milestone event during which no fewer than 51,000 students, who studied both full time time and part-time programmes at the Polytechnic, within the last nine academic sessions, will be conferred with National Diplomas (ND) and Higher National Diplomas (HND).

The milestone event, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 24th June, 2025, is "The first convocation since the 2014/2015 session", is a pointer to "a renewed spirit of progress and institutional rebirth at MAPOLY."

Arc. Jolaoso further told newsmen that some vital features of the 15th convocation includes the conferment of fellowship of the institution on former Ogun State governor and veteran journalist, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, alongside other prominent Nigerians in recognition of their outstanding contributions to education, industry, and national development.

The other honourees, he added are: the Seriki of Egba land, High Chief Tosin Owolabi Fadare(FCA) and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goal who is former Deputy Governor of Lagos State,Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire .

Similarly, the Polytechnic will confer an award of excellence on a leading real estate entrepreneur in Nigeria, who is the Chairman of Adron Homes and Properties Ltd ,Aarere Adetola Emmanuel-King and National President of ACCOMORAN, Prince Shamsudeen Apelogun.

The Rector further highlighted that in line with the Polytechnic’s renewed focus on innovation and global relevance, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), is the guest lecturer who will do justice to the lecture titled: “Diaspora Perspective and the Influence of STEM in the Globalized World of Today”.

Arc. Jolaoso, who expressed his profound gratitude to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his support, revealed that the governor, who is the moderator and restorer of the Polytechnic has made it possible for the institution to thrive. 

He also thanked the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, and the Polytechnic’s Governing Council for creating an enabling ambience for the evolution of a repositioned MAPOLY.

Concluding, Arc. Jolaoso reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to restoring MAPOLY’s lost glory and repositioning it as a centre of academic excellence with global relevance.

OTN News reports that a former Rector of the Polytechnic, Arc. Tokunbo Fowode, who is also an architect, was conspicuously present at the pre-convocation press briefing in a demonstration of solidarity and support for the Arc. Jolaoso led management of the Polytechnic.

Other members of the top management of the Polytechnic present at the briefing were: the Deputy Rector, Dr. Yetunde Lanre-Iyanda; the Registrar, Mrs. Olubunmi Elewodalu;tl the Polytechnic Librarian, Alhaja Basirat Akintunde; the Bursar, Mrs.Folashade Madariola.