The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has directed the return of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY, to its original status pending the outcome of the recommendations of a panel set up.
The panel set up by the governor is to look into the operational modalities of Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, Abeokuta and Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia.
In a statement released in Abeokuta on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun stated that the move became necessary because the State-owned Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY, had been comatose since the Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, Abeokuta and Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia were created.
He noted that as a result of the unresolved issues, the fate of candidates and students of MAPOLY and their lecturers had been uncertain.
Worse still, he argued, academic activities had been disrupted.
He, therefore, ordered that “MAPOLY should revert to status quo ante with full academic activities restored, while the committee determined the way forward for the new institutions.”
“As a responsible Government,” said the Governor, “we cannot fold our arms and allow the situation to continue.”
“We cherish human capital development. This committee is therefore set up to holistically review the status, viability and sustainability of these newly established institutions,” he said.
He stated that the review committee was expected to recommend operational modalities for the institutions after interfacing with stakeholders in the education sector.
The committee headed by the former Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Prof. Segun Awonusi, has the following terms of reference:
* Ascertain the current operational status of Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, Abeokuta and Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia;
*Identify issues and challenges related to the establishment and operations of the two institutions;
*Determine the viability and sustainability of the institutions on a long term basis; and
*Identify any other issue(s) related to the objectives of the assignment; and
*Make recommendations for the consideration of the Government.
The other members of the committee are: Alhaji Waheed Kadiri (former Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta); Prof Joseph Odemuyiwa (season academic and National President of Workplace Educators & Managers Association of Nigeria (WEMAN); Dr Biodun Oluseye (Chief Lecturer at the Federal Polytchnic, Ilaro); Barrister Abeeb Wale Ajayi (seasoned lawyer and administrator); Mr. H.O. Ayoade (National President of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Alumni Association); Dr. Waheed Olanloye (Director Primary and Tertiary Education in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology).
Olanloye will serve as the committee’s secretary.
