The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics at MAPOLY has revealed a stark disparity in the institution’s finances, noting that monthly salaries total ₦210 million while the state government provides only ₦20.75 million monthly. This subvention figure has reportedly remained unchanged for over a decade, forcing the management to rely heavily on internally generated revenue to maintain basic infrastructure.
Against this backdrop, the National President of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Alumni Association, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga, has called on the Ogun State Government to increase funding for polytechnic education. He described current allocations as grossly inadequate during a briefing at the polytechnic on Tuesday.
“For institutions like MAPOLY, much more funding is required. The current funding is inadequate for the kind of teaching and hands on training that polytechnics demand,” Soaga stated.
He emphasised that polytechnic education focuses on demonstration and competence rather than just theoretical learning. He commended the institution for producing graduates who excel nationwide in fields such as accounting, mass communication, architecture, and engineering.
“Polytechnic education is not just about reading and theory; it is about demonstration and competence. I am proud that MAPOLY has distinguished itself by producing graduates who have excelled nationwide, especially in hands on fields such as accounting, mass communication, architecture, and engineering, among others. These institutions need more resources to provide the level of practical training required. What is currently provided is simply not enough,” he noted.
Soaga urged graduates to prioritise entrepreneurship over job seeking, citing his personal experience after graduating in 1985. He recounted refusing government employment due to low wages in favour of independent media work.
“My message to graduates today is this: be self reliant. Do not depend solely on salaried jobs, especially government jobs. Use the skills you have acquired here. Polytechnic training equips you with practical abilities; skills you can use to create opportunities for yourself,” he advised.
Regarding infrastructure, the alumni president expressed concern over the poor state of campus roads and pledged collaboration to improve facilities. He described MAPOLY as a beacon of technical, vocational, and professional excellence, urging stakeholders to support the institution through mentorship and scholarships.
