MAPOLY Alumni Decry Underfunding, Urge Governor Abiodun to Boost Allocation
The Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Alumni Association has voiced strong concerns over what it describes as severe underfunding of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, urgently calling on the Ogun State government to increase budgetary allocations to the institution. This appeal comes amid growing worries about the slow progress of projects funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund within the polytechnic.
Funding Crisis and Staff Concerns
The alumni body's outcry follows earlier revelations by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, which highlighted that the institution is struggling with inadequate funding, declining student enrolment, and accreditation issues. SSANIP disclosed that the monthly subvention to MAPOLY has remained stagnant at ₦20.75 million for over a decade, despite the school's monthly salary obligations exceeding ₦210 million, a situation exacerbated by current economic challenges.
Alumni President's Urgent Appeal
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abeokuta, the National President of MAPALUM, Ayinde Soaga, condemned the funding shortfall as unacceptable. He emphasized that a reputable institution like MAPOLY should not be left to flounder and urged Governor Dapo Abiodun's administration to prioritize increased funding for the polytechnic and other state-owned educational establishments.
Soaga stressed that polytechnic education demands substantial investment in practical training and infrastructure, beyond mere theoretical learning. "The funding currently provided is grossly inadequate for the level of teaching and practical training required. Polytechnic education is about demonstration, competence, and hands-on experience," he asserted.
Track Record and TETFund Intervention
Highlighting MAPOLY's legacy of producing highly skilled graduates in fields such as Mass Communication, Accounting, Architecture, and Engineering, Soaga insisted that the institution deserves enhanced support to maintain its standards. He also appealed for greater intervention from TETFund, noting that polytechnics often receive a smaller share of funds compared to universities.
"The rector is making efforts to attract funding, including from TETFund. With more resources, the institution can achieve much more. As an alumni body, we are also supporting efforts to attract additional projects," he added.
Infrastructure and Student Advice
The alumni association further raised alarms about the deteriorating condition of roads within the institution, pledging to mobilize support from stakeholders and well-meaning individuals to address these infrastructure deficiencies. "The roads within the school are in very bad condition. We will reach out to individuals and organisations that can partner with us to improve the infrastructure," Soaga stated.
In his advice to newly admitted students for the 2025/2026 academic session, Soaga encouraged them to remain focused and self-reliant, acquiring practical skills to become job creators rather than depending solely on paid employment. "Students should not rely only on government jobs. With the training they receive here, they can become job creators and succeed independently," he concluded.
