Kehinde Ogunyale & Oluwatobi Odeyinka
The Ogun state commissioner for Education, Science and technology, Mrs. Modupe Mujota has charged newly admitted students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta to embrace hardwork in order to mitigate their respective academic weaknesses.
Mujota, while speaking at the 34th Matriculation ceremony of the institution, urged the matriculating students to make apt use of the time that would be spent during their stay on campus.
Mujota exemplified her academic days at the University of Ibadan, saying she identified her weakness in her first year on campus, and tackled it with commitment.
She said, “I realized that my weakness was assimilation and I decided to mitigate it, I would ensure I attend all classes and write notes; I would thereafter gather some friends for discussion on what we learn in class.”
The commissioner while advising the students on academic excellence reiterated the commitment of the state government in attaining perfection in the area of education.
She said, "In Ogun state education is foremost in our mind and we would continue to work towards the unattainable part of perfection in the area of education. As you have taken your oath of allegiance today, I hope you would be mindful of the sanctity words you pronounce.
"Do not major through the minor things in life. Each day is fundamental and important. The difference between what you would become and what you are is the way you spend your time. Every hour or moments not use judiciously is an hour you can never get back, particularly the two years you are going to spend in this institution. So I urge you to listen to the word that you have heard today for excellence”.
While delivering his speech, the Acting Rector, Ayodeji Tella, said, "we are delighted that you have joined us, and that you are now part of MAPOLY family. By choosing to enroll at the Polytechnic, you are joining an institution with a rich history and tradition. For instance, among all the public institutions in Nigeria, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, from inception, was renowned for being a center for excellence in Sciences, Mass Communication and Accountancy.
"The institution has since diversified its edge into other vocational, technological and cybernetic frontiers where our scholarly achievements and innovations are breaking ground.
"As you will soon discover, our academic staff are universities in the world. They obtain academic laurels from different universities in the world. They are therefore well equipped to teach and mentor you. This is one reason we commit huge resources to sponsor staff on further studies both at home and overseas to upgrade their knowledge and in turn deliver to you world class education in teaching, research and innovation.
"Since you come to this Polytechnic to grow intellectually you must choose to be challenged in your thinking- to have your ideas questioned, to be pushed to consider the assumptions that underlie your arguments. Learn to welcome and accept criticism to enable you grow and thrive at the polytechnic and beyond.
"Remember that if it is your desire to graduate in flying colours, the time to start working hard is now. Appreciate early enough that your future is in your own hands and it is really up to you to succeed."
He however admonish the students to shun cultism and involvement in illegal practices within the institution as the school frowns towards such activities.
"As fresh students, you should be mindful of the group association and society you belong to. You must deliberately shun cultism, violent activities, use if illicit drugs, truancy and social vices that are prevalent in higher institutions these days. To reduce these vices to the bearest minimum, the Polytechnic has invested greatly in sports. The facilities are for you to recreate and showcase your talent.
"You should be remained that your primary objectives here is to obtain Higher National Diploma. Any other objective is secondary. Therefore, while we will partner with you to achieve this lofty objective, we will frown seriously at vices associated with studentship including, but not limited to, examination misconduct, anti- social behaviours, indecent dressing, clandestine association which you have sworn against today are forbidden fruits. So you must stay clear of them."
