Youths in Ogun State have called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to prioritize the completion of the neglected Ogun State Polytechnic located in Ipokia Local Government Area. The once-promising institution, which was started during the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, has remained unfinished for years, leaving the community disappointed.
In July 2017, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) approved the establishment of this polytechnic as part of Amosun’s initiative to upgrade the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta to a university. The polytechnic, which was set to offer 42 accredited courses, was poised to provide significant educational opportunities for residents of Ipokia and surrounding areas.
However, despite some infrastructure, including classrooms, administrative buildings, hostels, and lecture halls, being partially built, the polytechnic project has not been completed. Upon taking office in 2019, Governor Abiodun reversed the decision to upgrade MAPOLY, opting instead to return the polytechnic to its original location in Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun reassured the people of Ipokia that he would not scrap the institution initiated by his predecessor, promising to turn it into a thriving educational hub. Additionally, he pledged to establish a university campus in the local government area. Despite these promises, the Ipokia youth are now calling on the governor to fulfill his commitment to complete the polytechnic.
On Thursday, local youths, holding placards with messages like “Don’t Abandon Ogun Polytechnic in Ipokia” and “Gov Abiodun Fulfill Your Promise,” gathered to demand action. They lamented the deterioration of the site, which has become a hotspot for criminal activity as the buildings deteriorate. Roofs have begun to collapse, and the classrooms, once symbols of hope, are now neglected.
Tunji Idowu, Chairman of the Ipokia Youth Development Council, reminded the governor of his promises during a visit to the area in January 2023. Idowu emphasized that the establishment of a higher learning institution in Ipokia would not only improve educational access but also drive economic growth and job creation in the region.
Idowu reiterated, “Your Excellency, when you visited Ipokia in January 2023, you assured us that the polytechnic would be completed. You spoke of transforming the project into a fully operational institution that will serve our community’s educational needs. We eagerly await the realization of this vision.”
Dr. Yakub Oyebo, a lecturer at Lagos State University and a native of Ipokia, further highlighted the challenges faced by local youths. Due to the high cost of relocation to cities like Abeokuta, Ijebu, and Lagos, many are unable to pursue higher education. The completion of the polytechnic in Ipokia could provide an affordable and accessible alternative for these young people.
For more details on educational developments in Ogun State, check out this report by The Guardian. For more information on education issues in Ogun State, visit our Education Section.
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