3,994 Get Matriculated as MAPOLY Welcomes Fresh Students

..Rector Urges Fresh Students to Apply for NELFUND

Fawaz Adebisi

The Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY, Abeokuta, on Wednesday formally welcomed a new batch of 3,994 students into its National Diploma, ND and Higher National Diploma, HND programmes during a colourful matriculation ceremony the institution’s Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s Hall.

The event, which marked the formal entry of the freshers into the institution, was attended by top management staff, academic board members, family and friends of the matriculating students, as well as stakeholders in the education sector.

Declaring the ceremony open, the Rector of MAPOLY, Arc Babatunde Jolaoso, congratulated the new students for their resilience and patience, describing the occasion as a “landmark moment” in their academic journey.

Arc Jolaoso also applauded those who attended physically and extended his best wishes to those who joined virtually.

“You’re all in the right place,” he affirmed. “MAPOLY is recognized as a centre for excellence. Our graduates have been widely acknowledged for their impact and outstanding performance across various sectors.”

The rector emphasized the institution’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance learning, while also encouraging students to maintain moral discipline.

“This event marks your formal admission into the polytechnic. Each of you has overcome unique challenges to be here today. Beyond academics, we value your character, your skills, and your integrity.”

Arc Jolaoso also seized the moment to urge the new intakes to apply for the Nigeria Education Loan Fund , NELFUND, which, he said, is available to both ND1 and HND1 students.

“This fund is here to ease your financial burden,” he said. “If you haven’t applied yet, please visit the office of the Director of Students’ Affairs, DSA, for assistance.”

In a major development, the Rector announced that MAPOLY’s campus radio station, 99.7FM, is now fully operational.

“The radio is not just for training purposes,” he explained. “It is a platform to inform, educate, and entertain both our students and the wider community.”

The legal adviser to the institution administered the matriculation oath to the fresh students, officially binding them to the school’s code of conduct. Thereafter, Dr. Odedeji, on behalf of the academic board, formally admitted the students into the institution.

He warned against examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, and all forms of misconduct, noting that any violation would attract stiff penalties. “You have sworn to uphold the institution’s values. Let academic excellence and moral discipline be your watchwords.”

Highlighting the importance of documentation, a school officer advised all students to complete their registration process and ensure that their matriculation oath forms are submitted and attached to their personal files.

Also present was the chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Prof Kamaldeen Balogun, who assured that MAPOLY was “back on track” with reforms to strengthen academic delivery and infrastructure.

While delivering his speech, Prof Balogun revealed that the number of students being matriculated ‘today’ was 3,994, stressing that the institution is back on track for good.

He therefore urged students to stay away from drug abuse and examination malpractice, urging them to be time conscious and always put God as first.

The students were also reminded to complete their JAMB registration, especially those on part-time programmes, as any admission not captured on CAPS would be deemed invalid.

Closing the ceremony, the Registrar of the polytechnic, Mrs. Olubunmi Elewodalu, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating parents, guardians, and staff for their support.

She reiterated the importance of time consciousness, caution in choosing associations, and maintaining a God-centered life.

“I urge you to remember your creator, be prayerful, ask questions when in doubt, and let your pursuit of knowledge be guided by honesty and diligence,” she concluded.

The Students Union Government president, Isaac Ogunlana, popularly known known as Iceconray also welcomed the freshers to the institution.

Speaking on the dues for students to pay, he clarified that all level is obligated to pay, with an exception of being a part time student.

He urged all students to be organized and well behaved.