Ogun Youths Cry Out Over Abandonment Of Amosun Polytechnic

Youths of Ipokia of Ipokia Local Government have cried out over Governor Dapo Abiodun’s abandonment of the new Ogun State Polytechnic created in Ipokia town by his predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

The youths, with placards in their hands, appealed to Abiodun to fulfil his promise by ensuring Ipokia has a higher learning institution of repute with the structures being built by the last administration.

In its plan to upgrade the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Abeokuta to a university, Amosun, in 2017, moved the polytechnic to Ipokia.

The former governor built some blocks of classrooms, administrative blocks, hostels, lecture theatres, and others, all at various levels of completion.

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However, the Abiodun administration reversed the upgrade of MAPOLY and returned the polytechnic to Abeokuta.

Since then, the buildings put in place by the last administration were left to rot with no security put in place to look after them.

Our correspondents who visited the abandoned polytechnic observed the level of decay that has befallen the structures.

The roofing and ceiling sheets are already falling off as destitute and suspected criminals turn the classrooms into their hideouts. There were signs of human waste in some of the classes.

When the large expanse of land had been covered with bushes, farmers said they decided to plant cassava and corn.

While addressing the press on Thursday, the Chairman of the Ipokia Youth Development Council, Tunji Idowu, reminded Abiodun that the establishment of a higher learning institution has been a long-cherished dream and a beacon of hope for many.

“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.

“However, despite the plans and groundwork that have been laid by the last administration, the actual take-off of the institution has faced numerous delays and obstacles. This has left many aspiring students disheartened and our community waiting in anticipation for the benefits that such an institution would bring,” he said.

Ajibade told the governor that during his visit to the site of the polytechnic in July 2021, he said he had sent an inter-ministerial committee to inspect the facility on the ground and determine the level of completion and suitability and readiness for use.

“You confirmed by saying that ‘we have seen there are about six or so buildings; a proposed 750-seater hall, two proposed 300 lecture theatres, two hostels, an administrative building, and two classrooms’.
“Again, 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,” he regretted.

The youth leader asked Abiodun to write his name in gold by turning the site into a viable tertiary institution, saying history would be kind to him.

“Your Excellency, the people of Ijebu-Igbo/Ago-Iwoye would never forget Chief Olabisi Onabanjo with the Olabisi Onabanjo University, and the people of Ijagun, Ijebu Ode will never forget Otunba Gbenga Daniel with Tai Solarin University of Education (which has now been taken over by the Federal Government). The fulfilment of your promise on the take-off of this institution will not only put your name in gold, it will permanently endear you to our hearts.

“Your Excellency, the institution is primely located and it has immense socio-economic benefits for the host and neighbouring communities as well as international students and communities that stand to benefit from its full take-off. In view of the above, we kindly appeal to Your Excellency to consider prioritising and expediting the processes necessary for the commencement of the polytechnic’s operations.

“We respectfully wish to remind Your Excellency of your campaign pledges to the people of Ipokia Local Government, and plead with you to make Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia, one of the promises made and promises kept,” Ajibade pleaded, calling on the governor to prevent the billions of Ogun State funds invested in the project to become a waste.

An indigene of the area, who is a lecturer at the Lagos State University, Dr Yakub Oyebo, said Ipokia is old enough to have a higher institution