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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun
The Ogun State House of Assembly, on Thursday, passed a resolution urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to allocate the necessary funds for the rehabilitation and operational take-off of the abandoned state polytechnic located in Ipokia.
The House stressed that this initiative is crucial for completing the existing facilities and securing accreditation for the institution’s academic programmes from the National Board for Technical Education to facilitate the immediate commencement of academic activities.
The lawmakers passed the resolution during their Thursday sitting.
In a statement, the Assembly noted, “The passage of the resolution titled: H.R. No. 124/OG/2024 – Urgent Call on the State Government to Consider the Immediate Revival and Operational Take-off of the State Polytechnic, Ipokia, followed an extensive debate by the state lawmakers.”
The motion for the resolution was moved by the member representing Ipokia/Idiroko State Constituency, Adebisi Oyedele, seconded by Damilare Bello, and supported by other lawmakers during the session presided over by the Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide.
The statement added, “Earlier, while opening the debate on the motion, Oyedele recalled that the polytechnic was established through a law passed by the State Legislature as part of a strategic educational reform initiative of the state government.”
Oyedele stressed the need for the government to utilise the existing infrastructure on-site, including lecture halls, laboratories, administrative buildings, and student hostels, to commence academic activities.
He further advocated for strategic collaboration with international educational bodies and border-town stakeholders to position the polytechnic as an academic hub, attracting both local and international students.
He also called for the integration of community stakeholders, including traditional rulers, in the institution’s revival process to foster local ownership and sustainability.
Other lawmakers, including Wahab Haruna, Waliu Owode, Adeyanju Adegoke, Damilare Bello, Babatunde Tella, Musefiu Lamidi, and Lukman Adeleye, also supported the motion. They highlighted the coordinated efforts of stakeholders during the polytechnic’s planning phase and urged the current administration to expedite action on its revival.
The lawmakers noted that the commencement of academic activities at the institution would stimulate economic growth and provide educational opportunities for youth in border communities.
They recalled that in September 2019, Governor Abiodun established a committee led by Segun Awonusi to assess the abandoned polytechnic, urging the government to set plans in motion for the school to begin operations promptly.
In response, the Speaker called on the government to accelerate the polytechnic’s revival and directed the House Committee on Legislative Compliance to liaise with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to provide updates on all ongoing projects across the state.
