The National President of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Alumni Association (MAPALUM), Alhaji Ayinde Soaga, has urged newly admitted students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, to prioritise practical skills alongside academic qualifications to enhance self-reliance.
Soaga gave the charge on Tuesday during a press conference held on the institution’s campus ahead of the 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony and maiden lecture themed, “Building a Solid Foundation:
The Synergy of Character and Competence,” scheduled to hold at the OGD Main Auditorium.
He stressed that in Nigeria’s current economic reality, possession of certificates alone no longer guarantees employment or financial stability, urging students to maximise the entrepreneurial and practical components embedded in their curriculum.
The alumni president encouraged the students to become job creators rather than job seekers, while also upholding the institution’s core values through academic excellence and positive conduct.
He said, “Academic certificates alone are no longer sufficient. Students must take advantage of the practical skills in their curriculum to become self-reliant and employers of labour.”
Soaga also used the opportunity to appeal to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to increase the institution’s monthly subvention, noting that polytechnic education requires significant investment due to its emphasis on hands-on training and technical competencies.
“Polytechnic education is about hands-on skills which require adequate funding of accredited programmes. We appeal to the government to review and increase the monthly allocation to MAPOLY,” he said.
The association pledged to complement government efforts by mobilising support from alumni, stakeholders and development partners within and outside Nigeria, with a focus on infrastructure, scholarships and strategic interventions.
As part of its initiatives, MAPALUM announced plans to raise funds for the rehabilitation of major roads within the campus to improve the learning environment.
Soaga further called on the media to amplify the institution’s achievements in order to attract corporate and individual support.
Highlighting the institution’s legacy, he listed notable alumni who have excelled across governance, public service, corporate and creative sectors, expressing confidence that MAPOLY would continue to produce globally competitive graduates.
The alumni body reiterated its commitment to supporting the institution in sustaining its tradition of excellence and nurturing future leaders, innovators and change-makers.
‘
‘Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment