The Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, has been thrown into mourning following the death of its Best Graduating Student for the 2022/2023 academic session, Orisawayi Samuel Emmanuel, popularly known as Samoriz, who passed away without receiving the cash reward publicly promised to him by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
Orisawayi, a standout graduate of the Department of Civil Engineering, died on Sunday, December 7, 2025, barely six months after he was celebrated at the institution’s 15th Combined Convocation Ceremony held on June 24, 2025.
At the convocation, which produced over 51,000 ND and HND graduates, Orisawayi’s name drew loud applause when he was announced as the overall best graduating student.
Governor Abiodun had, during the ceremony, pledged a ₦2.5 million cash reward to outstanding graduates in recognition of academic excellence.
However, checks revealed that the promise was yet to be fulfilled before the young scholar’s sudden death.
His demise has sparked grief and renewed conversations within the MAPOLY community over unfulfilled official pledges, with students and alumni describing the loss as painful and ironic for a young man whose life symbolised discipline, brilliance and hope.
Orisawayi was laid to rest on Monday amid tears, as colleagues, friends and members of the academic community gathered to honour a life many described as short but deeply impactful.
In a tribute, Comrade Prince Tajudeen Adeleye, founder of SAVE MAPOLY and former Students’ Union and NANS officer, described the late student as “a humble achiever who carried MAPOLY’s name with pride and dignity.”
“Samuel embodied the excellence that public rewards are meant to encourage. It is heartbreaking that he was buried with promises yet to be redeemed,” Adeleye said.
Students who spoke to PLATFORM TIMES said Orisawayi’s story should serve as a reminder to authorities on the importance of timely fulfilment of commitments, especially those made to young Nigerians striving for excellence against difficult odds.
Until his death, Orisawayi was widely regarded as one of MAPOLY’s brightest minds, with many believing he was destined for a distinguished professional career.
As tributes continue to pour in, the institution mourns the loss of a shining light—an achiever whose legacy of academic excellence, many say, will endure long after his passing.
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