Ogun Youths Speak Out: Abandoned Polytechnic Project Sparks Concern

Youths of Ipokia of Ipokia Local Government have cried out over Governor Dapo Abiodun’s abandonment of the new Ogun State Polytechnic created in Ipokia town by his predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

The young people, holding signs, urged Abiodun to keep his word by making sure that Ipokia gets a reputable higher education institution, complete with facilities initiated by the previous government.

As part of his initiative to elevate the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Abeokuta to a university status, Amosun transferred the institution to Ipokia in 2017.

The ex-governor constructed several classroom buildings, administrative structures, dormitories, lecture halls, and more, each at different stages of completion.

Nevertheless, the Abiodun administration overturned the upgrade of MAPOLY and restored the polytechnic to Abeokuta.

Following that, the structures erected during the previous government’s tenure were allowed to deteriorate without any safeguards being established to protect them.

The reporters sent to explore the deserted polytechnic noted the extent of deterioration evident in the buildings.

The roofing and ceiling sheets are already falling off as destitute and suspected criminals turn the classrooms into their hideouts. There were signs of human waste in some of the classes.

When the large expanse of land had been covered with bushes, farmers said they decided to plant cassava and corn.

On Thursday, when speaking to the media, Tunji Idowu, the chairman of the Ipokia Youth Development Council, highlighted to Abiodun that the creation of an advanced educational facility has been a longstanding aspiration and a source of great optimism for numerous individuals.

The existence of a tertiary education facility inIpokia is expected to boost educational prospects as well as drive economic progress, generate employment, and cultivate an environment of innovation and expansion withinourlocalities.

Nonetheless, even with the strategies and preparations established by the previous administration, the launch of the organization has encountered multiple delays and challenges," he stated. "This situation has discouraged many prospective students and kept our community eagerly anticipating the advantages this institution was meant to provide.

During his visit to the polytechnic’s construction site in July 2021, Ajibade informed the governor that he had dispatched an inter-ministerial committee to assess the facility onsite. The purpose was to evaluate the extent of completion as well as the suitability and preparedness for usage.

“You confirmed by saying that ‘we have seen there are about six or so buildings; a proposed 750-seater hall, two proposed 300 lecture theatres, two hostels, an administrative building, and two classrooms’.

Once again, during your visit to Ipokia in January 2023, Your Excellency committed to ensuring the advancement of the institution, emphasizing thatIpokia merits more than just a polytechnic status. You mentioned that as the government operates continuously, all investments made for the betterment of society and capable of enhancing the socioeconomic well-being of the populace will continue rather than being halted.

“Sir, you expressed determination to upscale what was on the ground to become a befitting and standard tertiary institution. We are still waiting for fulfilment of this promise,” he regretted.

The youth leader requested Abiodun to make his mark by transforming the site into a thriving higher education facility, mentioning that history would look favorably upon him.

Excellency, the residents of Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye will always remember Chief Olabisi Onabanjo due to the existence of the Olabisi Onabanjo University. Similarly, the citizens of Ijagun and Ijebu Ode hold dear memories of Otunba Gbenga Daniel because of Tai Solarin University of Education, which was later nationalized under federal control. Should you fulfill your pledge when establishing this university, it won’t just cement your legacy; it will also secure an enduring place for you in our affections.

Your Excellency, the institution holds an excellent location and offers significant socio-economic advantages not only to the hosting community but also to nearby areas, along with international students and surrounding populations set to gain immensely once fully operational. Considering this information, we humbly request your support in urging priority actions and accelerating procedures required for initiating the polytechnic’s activities.

We kindly ask Your Excellency to remember the commitments made during your election campaign to the residents of Ipokia Local Government," Ajibade implored, urging the governor to ensure that Ogun State Polytechnic in Ipobia does not fail and that the millions allocated from the state’s budget for this initiative do not go to waste.

A native from the region and a professor at Lagos State University, Dr. Yakub Oyebo, stated that Ipokia has been around long enough to warrant having an institution of higher education.

Oyebo pointed out that underprivileged young people in the region are prevented from accessing higher education because of the expenses associated with moving to locations such as Abeokuta, Ijebu, Lagos, and Ibadan.

He urged the governor to expedite the launch of the institution so that locals can gain easier access to education as soon as possible.

In a similar vein, Kafilat Adeoye, who serves as the Deputy Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ogun State, urged Abiodun to keep his word and get the higher educational institution up and running.

"Government is an ongoing process, which is why we hope Governor-elect Abiodun will step in and further develop this institution for the progress ofIpokia and Ogun West," she implored.

The Commissioner for Education in Ogun State, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, was contacted and he requested our correspondent to send a message via text.

He has yet to reply to the message as of the time of filing this report.

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