Youths in Ipokia, Ogun State, have cried out over the abandonment of Ogun State Polytechnic, which was moved to their town by former Governor Ibikunle Amosun. They urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to fulfill his promise of making it a functional institution.
In 2017, Amosun relocated Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) from Abeokuta to Ipokia, constructing classrooms, hostels, and offices. But when Abiodun took office, he reversed the decision, returning MAPOLY to Abeokuta. The Ipokia site was left to decay, with overgrown bushes and abandoned buildings now home to criminals and destitute people.
A Forgotten Promise
The Chairman of the Ipokia Youth Development Council, Tunji Idowu, said the polytechnic would boost education, create jobs, and improve the economy. He reminded the governor of his 2021 visit when he acknowledged the buildings on-site and promised action. Again, in 2023, Abiodun assured the people of Ipokia that the institution would be upgraded to a standard tertiary school, but nothing has changed.
“We are still waiting for this promise to be fulfilled,” Idowu said.
Calls for Urgent Action
Dr. Yakub Oyebo, a lecturer at Lagos State University, stressed that many Ipokia youths struggle to afford education in distant places like Abeokuta, Lagos, and Ibadan. Ogun State’s Deputy Chairman of the National Youth Council, Kafilat Adeoye, also urged Abiodun to complete the project.
“We want Gov Abiodun to complete this institution for the progress of Ipokia and Ogun West,” she said.
Still No Response from the Government
When contacted, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, asked for a text message but has not responded.
The people of Ipokia are now calling on Abiodun to take action before the billions spent on the project go to waste.
Leave a Reply