Ogun Assembly Urges Immediate Revival of State Polytechnic, Ipokia

The Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging the state government to expedite action on the rehabilitation and operational take-off of the State Polytechnic in Ipokia. 

The lawmakers called for the allocation of necessary funds to complete existing facilities, secure accreditation for academic programs from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and commence academic activities without delay.

The resolution, titled “H.R. No. 124/OG/2024 - Urgent Call on the State Government to Consider the Immediate Revival and Operational Take-Off of the State Polytechnic, Ipokia,” was adopted during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide. It followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Adebisi Oyedele, representing the Ipokia/Idiroko State Constituency, and seconded by Hon. Damilare Bello, with support from other lawmakers.

Opening the debate, Hon. Oyedele recalled that the polytechnic was established through a law passed by the State Legislature as part of a strategic educational reform initiative.

He emphasized the need for the government to utilize the existing infrastructure on the site, including lecture halls, laboratories, administrative buildings, and hostels, to facilitate the institution’s revival.

"The government must leverage the infrastructure already in place and engage strategic partners to ensure the operational take-off of this institution, which holds immense potential for academic and economic development," Oyedele stated.

He also advocated for collaboration with international educational bodies and border-town stakeholders to promote the polytechnic as an academic hub, attracting both local and international students.

Oyedele recommended integrating community stakeholders, including traditional rulers, in the revival process to foster local ownership and sustainability.

Other lawmakers, including Honourables Wahab Haruna, Waliu Owode, Adeyanju Adegoke, Damilare Bello, Babatunde Tella, Musefiu Lamidi, and Lukman Adeleye, lent their voices to the motion. They highlighted the efforts of stakeholders during the institution’s conception and urged the government to take swift action.

"Reviving the Ipokia Polytechnic will not only create academic opportunities for the youth in border communities but also stimulate economic activities and foster human capital development," one of the lawmakers remarked.

The lawmakers also noted that the institution's take-off would pave the way for more developmental projects, creating business and investment opportunities in the area. 

They recalled the committee set up in 2019 by Governor Dapo Abiodun, chaired by Prof. S. Awonusi with Dr. Waheed Olanloye as Secretary, urging the government to implement its recommendations.

Responding, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, directed the House Committee on Legislative Compliance to liaise with the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to provide updates on ongoing projects across the state. 

He reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring the commencement of academic activities at the polytechnic.

"The House strongly urges the state government to prioritize the revival of the Ipokia Polytechnic as part of its commitment to providing qualitative education and fostering socio-economic growth," the Speaker concluded.