Rector of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) Abeokuta, Dr. Babatunde Jolaoso has urged more students to key into the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
According to Jolaoso, the loan would ease their parents off the burden of payment of tuition fees, saying 500 students of the institution were currently benefiting from the loan facility
The Rector spoke during the Matriculation and oath taking ceremony of 3,944 Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma students for the 2024/2025 Academic Session on Wednesday in Abeokuta.
Jolaoso encouraged them to visit nelf.gov.ng or consult the help desk at the Directorate of Student Affairs of the polytechnic to initiate the application process
He charged them to be attentive to the needs and aspirations of the society by being innovative and solution-driven students during their academic programmes
The rector also tasked them to take advantage of the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) initiative situated within the institution’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Centres
He added that there, they can have access to mandatory training in various trades for additional skills, aside the academic programmes
He equally urged new students in the Department of Mass Communication to take advantage of MAPOLY Radio which he said, was now operational on 99.7FM, as an avenue to expose themselves beyond just being trained at the radio station
He however cautioned the newly admitted students against all forms of anti-social behaviours capable of tarnishing the reputation of the institution or their families.
The Rector warned them of the management’s zero tolerance for examination malpractices, indescent dressing and cultism
He also urged them to invest their time and energy in meaningful, productive activities that would earn them honour and distinction
“I therefore, wish you great success in your academic pursuit.. Aspire to leadership in your chosen fields and always remember the values you represent. Shun all vices that could derail your goals”, he advised
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu enjoined the students to embrace discipline, integrity and diligence while commending MAPOLY for churning out quality graduates for the state and the country at large.
Prof Arigbabu was represented by the Director of Tertiary Education in the ministry, Mr. Oluwole Majekodunmi.
He reminded the matriculating students to exhibit high degree of character and creativity in order to be more relevant in the society beyond having just certificates.
He assured the institution of the commitment of the state government towards sustaining high standard of education
“The world you are entering demands more than just certificates- it demands character, creativity, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning.
“I want to reassure you of the ministry’s continued support in ensuring that education in Ogun state remains accessible, inclusive and of the highest quality.
“We will continue to work hand in hand with institutions like Moshood Abiola Polytechnic to build a brighter future for our youth,” the commissioner said.
Similarly Chairman of Governing Council of the institution, Emeritus Professor, Kamaldeen Balogun urged the new students to be focused and avoid any form of distraction including peer influence on campus.
He appealed to them to justify the huge spending of their parents’ hard-earned financial resources by doing well in various academic programmes.
