In a significant move towards practical education, the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta has officially launched a series of special entrepreneurship projects conceived and executed by its students.
Three Pillars of Practical Innovation
The historic commissioning ceremony, held on 3 January 2026, saw the formal opening of three key projects developed under the institution's Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (MAPCED). The projects, which were completed during the last academic session, are a testament to the polytechnic's hands-on approach. They include a 5-KVA Solar Power System, a comprehensive Multi-Point Wi-Fi System installation, and a fully operational Concrete Block-Making Industry.
These initiatives were brought to life by students who received direct supervision from the Entrepreneurship Directorate and crucial technical support from industry experts, many of whom are proud alumni of MAPOLY.
Leadership Hails a New Paradigm for Polytechnics
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Emeritus Professor Kamaldeen Balogun, expressed profound satisfaction. He stated that MAPOLY's achievement perfectly embodies the National Board for Technical Education's (NBTE) mandate for polytechnics to foster "skills, not just degrees."
Professor Balogun emphasized the pivotal role Nigerian polytechnics can play in driving the country's entrepreneurship revolution, provided they get the necessary backing from the government and other education stakeholders. He assured that the Governing Council is dedicated to allocating resources to boost the Centre's production activities, even extending its impact beyond the campus walls.
Regarding the block-making project, he gave a firm assurance: "The Polytechnic would strive to ensure the production of high-quality concrete blocks that not only compete with those available outside the institution but also set a standard for other players in the local block-making industry within the State."
Collaboration and Future Expansion
The Rector, Dr. 'Koye Jolaoso, aligned with the Chairman's vision. He promised that the quality and scope of the Centre's projects would be further improved and broadened through strategic collaborations with other departments. A key partnership highlighted was with the School of Mechanical Engineering, where block-making machines are also being fabricated.
The Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. Olabisi Baiyewu, thanked the management for their support of the student initiatives. He outlined the Centre's commitment to making MAPOLY a national benchmark for pragmatic entrepreneurship education.
Dr. Baiyewu also revealed the operational model's potential to become a source of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the institution. He detailed the student involvement: "The Special Entrepreneurship Projects being commissioned were undertaken by our students, particularly those from the School of Engineering, who executed the Solar Power System; the School of Environmental Sciences, who handled the Block-Making project; and the School of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, who undertook the Wi-Fi installation project."
The ceremony was graced by numerous dignitaries, including Council Members Comr. Philip Ogunsipe, Dr. Tomisi Adegunle, and Dr. (Mrs.) Bola Olorode, with Dr. Rabiu Adeneye Kusimo assisting in the ribbon-cutting at the block-making section. The polytechnic's principal officers, Directors, Heads of Departments, and administrative staff were also present to witness this milestone in hands-on, skill-based education.
