Youths in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State have renewed their call on Governor Dapo Abiodun to revisit and complete the Ogun State Polytechnic project, which has been left in an abandoned state for several years.
Originally established in July 2017 under the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the polytechnic was approved by the National Board for Technical Education, with plans to begin academic activities in November of that year.
A total of 42 courses had already received accreditation, as the initiative aligned with Amosun’s agenda to elevate Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Abeokuta to a full-fledged university.
Amosun’s administration made notable strides by constructing several facilities at the Ipokia site, including classrooms, administrative buildings, hostels, and lecture theatres, though many of them remain incomplete.
However, when Governor Abiodun assumed office in 2019, he reversed the upgrade of MAPOLY, restoring it to its original status in Abeokuta.
Despite this decision, he pledged that the polytechnic project in Ipokia would not be discarded and assured the community of plans to establish a university campus within the local government.
On Thursday, concerned youths took to the streets with placards bearing messages like “Don’t Abandon Ogun Polytechnic in Ipokia,” “Write Your Name In Gold With Ogun Polytechnic Ipokia,” and “Gov Abiodun Fulfill Your Promise On Ogun Polytechnic Ipokia,” urging the governor to deliver on his commitments.
They voiced concern over the current state of the institution, once viewed as a beacon of educational progress but now deteriorating, its buildings succumbing to the elements and parts of the facility being reportedly used by suspected criminals.
Addressing journalists, Chairman of the Ipokia Youth Development Council, Tunji Idowu, emphasized the significance of the institution for the community’s socio-economic growth.
He said, “The presence of a higher education institution in Ipokia promises not only to enhance educational opportunities but also to spur economic development, create jobs, and foster a culture of innovation and growth in our communities.
“When Your Excellency visited Ipokia in January 2023, you promised to see to the take-off of the institution, asserting that Ipokia deserves something higher than a polytechnic.
“You stated that since the government is a continuum, every commonwealth that had been invested and capable of positively impacting the socio-economic lives of the people would not be discontinued.
“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.”
Adding his voice to the appeal, Dr Yakub Oyebo, a lecturer at Lagos State University and a native of Ipokia, highlighted the financial barriers faced by local youths who are forced to seek education in distant cities like Abeokuta, Lagos, Ibadan, and Ijebu.
In response to an inquiry on the matter, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, requested that questions be sent via text message.
However, as of the time this report was filed, no reply had been received.
