A group, Yewa Think Thank, on Monday celebrated the exceptional performance of the immediate past Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji.
Speaking at the gathering in Abeokuta , Odedeji described his five-year tenure as a transformative period that saw the institution moved from the brink of collapse to a path of growth and development.
He shared insights into his journey to the position of rector, his contributions to MAPOLY’s resurgence, and the financial sacrifices made to keep the institution afloat.
Odedeji revealed that his appointment as rector was recommended by Dr. Adeola Odedina, the former Commissioner for Agriculture in Ogun State, who recognised his integrity, work ethic, and seniority in the institution’s hierarchy.
Odedeji said that he had served as the Director of Academic Planning and was the most senior director in the institution.
“ Odedina told the governor, ‘I have tested him; he’s frank, hardworking, and has 100 per cent integrity.’ That was how I became the acting Rector,” Odedeji stated.
Upon assuming office, Odedeji said he faced a daunting challenge, saying that the Polytechnic had been rendered non-functional following the state government’s move to establish Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology (MAUSTECH) and Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia.
" MAPOLY was later restored to status quo by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
He added that with the institution in disarray and salaries unpaid for seven months, he said he took the bold step of securing a N441million loan to pay staff salaries.
The former rector highlighted several of his administration’s accomplishments, including the facilitation of infrastructure projects and capacity development initiatives.
"In Ogun State one of the biggest CBT centre donated by Nigerian Communications Commission is in MAPOLY, close to N1bn . Standby Generator, transformer, I facilitated it.We also have a Centre sponsored by TETFUND .
"We have about N300m worth of centre for vocational training and skill development .
"We have done accreditation, we have been able to add extra courses.One of the courses Social development and environmental science and management technology .
In his remarks, Otunba (Dr.) S. A. J. Ibikunle, a foremost Nigerian Dental Surgeon and former chairman of MAPOLY’s Governing Council, commended Odedeji’s resilience and impact.
He said “Dr. Odedeji is the first Yewa person to become Rector of MAPOLY, and we are immensely proud of his performance.
" If anyone tries to discredit his achievements, some of us will have a say in the matter,” Ibikunle declared.
Similarly, former Ogun Head of Service, Sola Adeyemi, described Odedeji’s tenure as a landmark in MAPOLY’s history.
“They never knew you would last, but God saw you through. No one can write the history of MAPOLY without mentioning Adeoye Odedeji,” he stated.
Abass Ilamigo, Secretary of Yewa Think Tank, expressed gratitude, pledging continued support for Odedeji’s future endeavours.
“We will continue to assure you that it shall be well with you,” he affirmed.
Dr. Odedeji expressed appreciation to the Yewa Think Tank for their unwavering support.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made during his tenure and expressed optimism for greater opportunities ahead.
“I want to thank the Almighty God for the opportunity he has given me. I also want to thank Yewa Think Tank for standing with me and believing in me. I appreciate you for having faith in me,” he said.
