Youths of Ipokia in Ipokia Local Government area of Ogun state have cried out over Governor Dapo Abiodun's abandonment of the Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia, established by the immediate past governor of the State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

The youths, with placards in their hands, appealed to Abiodun to fulfil his promise by ensuring Ipokia has a higher learning institution of repute with the structures already built by the last administration.

The Youths expressed their disappointment with placard with different inscriptions such as "Governor Abiodun fulfil your promise on Ogun Polytechnic, Ipokia”, “Ipokia local government deserves a higher institution”, “Don't abandon Polytechnic in Ipokia”, “Write your name in gold with Ogun Polytechnic in Ipokia”, amongst others.

Amosun has established the Polytechnic following the upgrade of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, to Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, in 2017.

The abandoned polytechnic has been left in limbo for eight years, leading to significant loss of public resources and community discontent.

The former governor built blocks of classrooms, administrative blocks, hostels, lecture theatres, and others, all at various levels of completion for the take-off of the polytechnic.

- Abandoned classrooms since 2019

Abiodun administration reversed the upgrade of MAPOLY and returned the polytechnic to Abeokuta, while the fate of the Ipokia polytechnic has been hanging in the balance since.

A visit to the site of the abandoned polytechnic indicates that the structures have been left to rot with no security and almost becoming a hideout for criminals.

The roofing and ceiling sheets are already falling off as destitute and suspected criminals turn the classrooms into their hideouts. There were signs of human waste in some of the classes.

When the large expanse of land had been covered with bushes, farmers said they decided to plant cassava and corn on some areas within the abandoned polytechnic.

While addressing the press on Thursday, the Chairman of the Ipokia Youth Development Council, Tunji Idowu, reminded Abiodun that the establishment of a higher learning institution has been a long-cherished dream and a beacon of hope for many.

“The presence of a higher education institution in Ipokia promises not only to enhance educational opportunities but also to spur economic development, create jobs, and foster a culture of innovation and growth in our communities.

“However, despite the plans and groundwork that have been laid by the last administration, the actual take-off of the institution has faced numerous delays and obstacles. This has left many aspiring students disheartened and our community waiting in anticipation for the benefits that such an institution would bring,” he said.

Ajibade reminded the governor that during his visit to the site of the polytechnic in July 2021 and 2023, he said he had sent an inter-ministerial committee to inspect the facility on the ground and determine the level of completion and suitability and readiness for use.

“You confirmed by saying that ‘we have seen there are about six or so buildings; a proposed 750-seater hall, two proposed 300 lecture theatres, two hostels, an administrative building, and two classrooms’.

“Again, when Your Excellency visited Ipokia in January 2023, you promised to see to the take-off of the institution, asserting that Ipokia deserves something higher than a polytechnic.

“You stated that since the government is a continuum, every commonwealth that had been invested and capable of positively impacting the socio-economic lives of the people would not be discontinued.

“Sir, you expressed determination to upscale what was on the ground to become a befitting and standard tertiary institution. We are still waiting for fulfilment of this promise,” he regretted.

The youth leader asked Abiodun to write his name in gold by turning the site into a viable tertiary institution, saying history would be kind to him.

“Your Excellency, the people of Ijebu-Igbo/Ago-Iwoye would never forget Chief Olabisi Onabanjo with the Olabisi Onabanjo University, and the people of Ijagun, Ijebu Ode will never forget Otunba Gbenga Daniel with Tai Solarin University of Education (which has now been taken over by the Federal Government). The fulfilment of your promise on the take-off of this institution will not only put your name in gold, it will permanently endear you to our hearts.

“Your Excellency, the institution is primely located and it has immense socio-economic benefits for the host and neighbouring communities as well as international students and communities that stand to benefit from its full take-off.

“In view of the above, we kindly appeal to Your Excellency to consider prioritising and expediting the processes necessary for the commencement of the polytechnic’s operations.

“We respectfully wish to remind Your Excellency of your campaign pledges to the people of Ipokia Local Government, and plead with you to make Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia, one of the promises made and promises kept.”

Ajibade pleaded on the governor to prevent the billions of Ogun State funds invested in the project not to become a waste.

The Deputy Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ogun State, Kafilat Adeoye, appealed to Abiodun to fulfil his promise and make the higher institution operational.

“Government is a continuum, so we want Gov Abiodun to come and complete this institution for the development of Ipokia and Ogun West,” she pleaded.

Contacted, the Commissioner for Education in Ogun State, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, as at the time of filling this report was yet to reply to the message sent to him.