Youths in Ogun State, on Thursday, appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun, to see to the completion of the abandoned Ogun State Polytechnic located in Ipokia Local Government Area of the state.
DAILY POST reports that in July 2017, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) approved the creation of the new polytechnic under Ibikunle Amosun’s administration.
The institution, which was to commence operations in November with 42 courses already accredited, came as a result of Amosun’s plan to upgrade the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Abeokuta to a university.
The former governor built some blocks of classrooms, administrative blocks, hostels, lecture theatres, and others, all at various levels of completion.
DAILY POST reports that Governor Dapo Abiodun, on assumption of office in 2019, reversed the upgrade of MAPOLY and returned the polytechnic to Abeokuta.
Meanwhile, he assured the residents that the institution established by his predecessor would not be scrapped and promised to also establish a university campus in the local government.
However, youths in the local government on Thursday, armed with placards carrying inscriptions such as “ Don’t Abandon Ogun Polytechnic in Ipokia”;, “ Write Your Name In Gold With Ogun Polytechnic Ipokia”;, “ Gov Abiodun Fulfill Your Promise On Ogun Polytechnic Ipokia”;, among others, begged the governor to fulfill his promises and write his name in gold by turning the site into a viable tertiary institution.
They lamented that the abandoned institution which was once a beacon of hope for many, had began to decay, with its roofing and ceiling sheets falling off and classrooms becoming a hideout for suspected criminals.
Speaking to newsmen, Chairman of the Ipokia Youth Development Council, Tunji Idowu, reminded the governor of his promises to them in 2023.
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.”
Similarly a lecturer at the Lagos State University, Dr Yakub Oyebo, who is an indigene of Ipokia, disclosed that indigent youths of the area are denied access to high learning due to the cost involved in relocating to places like Abeokuta, Ijebu, Lagos, Ibadan, and others.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Education in Ogun State, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, asked our correspondent to send a text.
However, he is yet to reply to the message as of the time of filing this report.
