By Yemi Ajibola
Since assuming office as the Rector, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, on Friday, 6th December, 2024, a remarkable transformation has emerged across a number of facets of the institution.
The Management, under his leadership has restored confidence, strengthened governance, and improved academic standards, financial management, and staff welfare.
His mode of operation has fostered an atmosphere of peace, stability, confidence and mutual understanding amongst members of staff. Employees now have an apparent disposition of carrying out their duties with resilience, renewed enthusiasm, excitement, total commitent and dedication.
*ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS*
*Restoration of the Academic Board’s Functionality:* After many years of poor activity, particularly in the consideration and approval of students’ results, the statutory Academic Board meeting was successfully convened. This reinstated its vital role in decision-making and academic administration. The Board has resumed its statutory duty of approving students' results, eliminating the previous practice of only executive approvals by the Chief Executive. This reform has enhanced transparency and credibility in academic processes.
*Verification of ND Results from Other Institutions:*
Upon assumption of office, Arc. Dr. 'Koye Jolaoso immediately directed that the verification process be conducted, which led to the discovery of a significant number of students who had earlier gained admission into the Polytechnic with fake academic records; an action that has led to expulsion of those guilty. This exercise has restored credibility to the admission process, ensuring only qualified candidates gain entry into MAPOLY.
*Upward Review of Students’ Admission Capacity:*
Through proactive engagement with relevant stakeholders, the institution successfully secured an increase in its admission quota. Thus, by about 100% increase in quota. This expansion creates more opportunities for students seeking quality education while also creating an avenue for boosting internally generated revenue for the Polytechnic.
*Approval to Admit Students into HND Pharmaceutical Technology:*
After the suspension to admit students into Pharmaceutical Technology Department for the Higher National Diploma Programme, MAPOLY through converted efforts of this management, has secured the approval of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to commence admissions into the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Pharmaceutical Technology from the 2024/2025 academic session. This expansion broadens the institution’s academic offerings, reinforcing its commitment to providing specialized and industry-relevant education.
*Upgrading and Migration of Polytechnic V3 to V4 Portal:*
The Polytechnic’s V3 Portal has been upgraded and migrated to a more efficient V4 platform, integrating results processing, academic publications, admissions, and registration processes. This enhancement has streamlined administrative operations and improved service delivery.
*JAMB Approval of MAPOLY Outreach CBT Centre for UTME:*
The institution secured approval from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to operate a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Outreach Centre for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This achievement strengthens MAPOLY’s position as a key player in tertiary education assessment.
*Restoration of Confidence in Academic Representation on the Academic Board, Election of Heads of Departments, and Appointment of Some Service Directors:*
Confidence in academic governance has been restored, as demonstrated by the active participation of academic staff in the recent election of their Academic Board representative. This marks a significant improvement, as the same positions remained unfilled last year despite an election being held. Additionally, elections were conducted to fill the vacant Heads of Department positions following the expiration of the former officers' tenure. Also, Service Directors were appointed where necessary.
*Conclusion of Outstanding Staff Conversion & Upgrading:*
On staff matters, the long-overdue second phase of staff conversion and upgrading for academic staff was successfully concluded in a bid to enhance career progression and professional development, with letters of conversion and upgrading promptly issued to the beneficiaries.
*PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF A BOOK OF READINGS*
In honour of a former Rector of MAPOLY and professional icon, Tpl. Waheed Kadiri, the School of Environmental Studies (SENVS) organized a public presentation of a Book of Readings titled: Towards the Attainment of Sustainable Built Environment compiled and edited by Arc. Dr. 'Koye Jolaoso, Esv. Dr. Samson Agbato and Arc. S. Olawale Yusuf in December 2024.
*INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS*
*Vigorous Pursuit of TETFund and Federal Ministry of Education (NEEDS) Projects:*
The Management under the leadership of Arc. Dr. 'Koye Jolaoso has actively engaged with the TETFund and the Federal Ministry of Education to fast-track outstanding, uncompleted and abandoned projects. These efforts were aimed at ensuring that MAPOLY continues to benefit from much-needed funded infrastructural developments.
*Restoration of Public Power and Water Supply:*
Through the "Light Up MAPOLY" Initiative by the 'Koye Jolaoso led management aimed at enhancing campus security, surveillance and visibility, solar-powered streetlights have been installed from the main gate up to the administrative building. This initiative was personally sponsored by the Rector in demonstration of leadership by example. 24 nos. solar-powered streetlights, comprising 18 new and 6nos repaired old pieces installed so far.
Similarly, through strategic engagement with IBEDC officials and the provision of essential cables and logistics, public power supply has been restored to the campus after a prolonged outage. This has significantly improved operations; and, by extension, it has in turn enhanced water supply across the Polytechnic. While this is done, concerted efforts are in top gear to ensure 24/7 power supply in the Polytechnic to further boost research among staff members.
*Revival of the MAPOLY Students’ Hostel Project:*
Through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, the MAPOLY Alumni Association has expressed interest in redeveloping the long-abandoned students' hostel project, while quite a number of organizations during courtesy visits have been informed and invited to participate. This intervention will address the accommodation challenges faced by students and improve their overall learning experience.
*Repairs of Security Patrol Vehicles and Equipment:*
To enhance campus security operations, two Hilux pickups and one motorcycle were repaired and handed over to the Security Patrol and Surveillance Unit, _(thanks to the Head of Mechanical Engineering Department - Engr. Dr. Seyi Orelaja in collaboration with the students as fully supported by the Rector)._
*FINANCIAL STABILITY AND INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH*
_*Full and Final Payment of ₦76 Million Unity Bank Loan:*_
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The institution has successfully cleared a long-standing debt of ₦76 million owed to Unity Bank. This significant financial milestone improves MAPOLY’s financial credibility and stability.
*Commencement of the payments of check-off due.*
The Management, in its commitment to resuscitate staff welfare, has started the payment of check-off dues in response to the demands of the staff unions.
_*Ensuring Timely Payment of Staff Salaries:*_
To reinforce the trust in this administration and boosting staff morale, salaries have been consistently paid up to date. Regular salary payments have contributed to a motivated and productive workforce.
*TETFUND INTERVENTION*
It is a huge relief and a rekindling news to the Polytechnic community in receipt of a letter on Thursday, 13th March, 2025, from TETFUND intervention towards the upgrading/renovation of physical infrastructure; academic research, training, conferences publications, etc. This will greatly boost the rebranding agenda for academic standards in the best global practice.
*NELFUND Disbursement for Students:*
MAPOLY has confirmed the studentship of over 500 applicants who applied for students' loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). As a result, the Polytechnic has received ₦47 million as part of the loan disbursement for these students, easing the financial burden on them and promoting access to education.
*ENHANCED PORTAL ADMINISTRATION*
New enhancements have been implemented to improve efficiency, security, and user experience on the institution’s portal. These advancements streamline operations for both students and staff. They include:
_*Online Clearance for New Students* -_ A fully digital clearance process has been introduced which now minimizes physical contact, improves efficiency, and streamlines the registration while ensuring continuous technical support. Applicants can update their information seamlessly within the portal and can make necessary corrections from the comfort of their own space. This initiative is aimed at simplifying the process and enhancing the overall experience for all applicants.
*_Simplified Matriculation Numbering_* - A more user-friendly system has been introduced, reflecting stakeholder feedback.
*_Result Computation Improvements_* - Bottlenecks in result processing have been eliminated through strategic engagements, enhancing accuracy and timeliness.
*_Curriculum Review_* - Discrepancies between operational curricula and portal uploads are being addressed to improve result accuracy.
*_Optimized Registration Process_* - The registration process has been streamlined to align with global standards, improving efficiency and user experience.
*_Reintroduced Ticketing System_* - Students can now submit and resolve complaints electronically, significantly reducing the need for physical visits.
*STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE*
The administration of the Arc. Dr. 'Koye Jolaoso has embarked on stakeholders engagements with courtesy visits, as part of efforts to foster collaboration and institutional recognition.
Courtesy visits were made and also received several key stakeholders, including:
* The Deputy Governor, Ogun State.
* The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology
* The Head of Service, Ogun State
* The Department of State Services (DSS), Ogun State Command.
* The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Command
* Royal Fathers;
* IBEDC, Leme Office.
* Staff and Students Unions (ASUP, SSANIP, NASU, SUG)
* NYSC SouthWest Directorate
* JAMB Ogun State Directorate.
* Bankers (Zenith, Sterling, Alternative, UBA, Lotus, Capital Express, etc).
* Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
* Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abeokuta Branch.
* Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN).
* MAPOLY National Alumni
* MAPAMA
* AKMODEL Group, etc
These engagements have enhanced institutional visibility and strengthened relationships with key partners. This reach-out approach has begun to yield fruit through material-gifts as corporate social responsibility gestures (Zenith Bank); cash donation (ARCON President); endowment as cash prizes for graduating students; expression of interests from corporate organizations on a number of investors-driven developmental projects (hostels, agriculture/farming, etc.,) like the Alternate Bank (a subsidiary of the Sterling Bank), MAPOLY Alumni, AKMODEL Group, etc., under PPP arrangement.
_*Consultative Forum with Staff by Management*_*
A consultative forum, comprising the Heads of Departments, Directors of Schools, Sections & Services Units; Schools’ Officers, Chairmen of Staff Unions and the Principal officers was held with staff members, allowing for open discussion and feedback on administrative policies and institutional progress. The forum enabled holistic deliberations on key issues, review progress, and implement strategic decisions.
Similarly, a general assembly/meeting was convened on Monday, 3rd March 2025, to update staff on institutional developments, review achievements thus far; discuss strategic plans for the institution’s future; and address pressing matters affecting the Polytechnic.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for staff to share opinions, ideas and feedback that could meaningfully contribute to the institution’s progress.
_*Election of new Students’ Union Executives:*_
To ensure the continuity of student governance and representation in the Polytechnic,
The election and inauguration of the 40th Students' Union Executives led by Comrade Ogunlana Isaac, an HND II Student of Marketing Department had been done.
_*Meeting with the Baales (Community Leaders) Around the Campus:*_
In compliance with the directive of the Chairman, Governing Council, a meeting was held with community leaders (Baales) towards the enhancement of community engagement against disturbing encroachment into the Polytechnic landed property and unauthorized activities thereof.
*FINANCIAL PRUDENCE*
We have adopted financial prudence style of blockage of financial leakages; adoption of style of reasonable repairs and sustainable maintenance (especially on minor works on laptops/desktop computer systems, printers and photocopiers) rather than avoidable or inexpedient wholesome replacement as requests mostly comes in under such.
*MAPOLY RADIO LICENCE*
In line with the administrative focus and rebranding agenda, the Management, led by Arc. Dr. 'Koye Jolaoso has pursued and secured the required and long-awaited National Broadcasting Commission’s approval for full transmission of the MAPOLY Campus Radio on (99.7FM), Abeokuta vide a letter ref: NBC/SEC/LIC/25/VOL. IV, dated February 3, 2025, signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Francisca Aiyetan, in response to the letter of request/appeal, ref: MAP/REC 1/ VOL. IV/170 of 20th January 2025.
It is worthy to note that the efforts of Arc. Dr. 'Koye Jolaoso led Management as the 10th Rector within 100 days in office to rebrand and reposition his Alma mata is yielding positive results. His investor-driven mission is pulling developmental engagements from different quarters, as a focus to rewrite the history and increase the speed of a slow moving 46 years old Institution.
Yemi Ajibola is the Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta
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