• …Lament slow pace of TETFund projects

The Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Alumni Association has decried what it described as inadequate funding of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, calling on the Ogun State government to urgently increase budgetary allocation to the institution.

The alumni body also expressed concern over the slow pace of projects funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund within the polytechnic.

This comes on the heels of concerns raised by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, which had earlier disclosed that the institution is grappling with inadequate funding, declining student enrolment and accreditation challenges.

SSANIP noted that the monthly subvention to the institution has remained unchanged for over a decade despite prevailing economic realities, adding that the current allocation of ₦20.75 million falls far short of the school’s monthly salary obligation of over ₦210 million.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abeokuta, the National President of MAPALUM, Ayinde Soaga, described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that a reputable institution like MAPOLY should not be left to struggle.

He urged the administration of Dapo Abiodun to, as a matter of urgency, increase funding for the polytechnic and other state-owned institutions.

According to him, polytechnic education requires significant investment in practical training and infrastructure, not just 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 said.

Soaga highlighted MAPOLY’s track record in producing highly skilled graduates in fields such as Mass Communication, Accounting, Architecture and Engineering, insisting that the institution deserves better support to sustain its legacy.

He also appealed for increased intervention from TETFund, lamenting that polytechnics receive a relatively smaller share of intervention 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.

The alumni association further raised concerns over the poor state of roads within the institution, pledging to mobilise support from stakeholders and well-meaning individuals to address the situation.

“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 said.

He also advised newly admitted students for the 2025/2026 academic session to remain focused and self-reliant, urging them to acquire practical skills that would enable them to create jobs rather than depend 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 said.