By Abiodun Lawal

The Ogun Assembly has called on the state government to consider the immediate revival and operational take-off of the Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia.

In a plenary in Abeokuta on Thursday, Mr Bisi Oyedele (APC-Ipokia/Idiroko), noted the polytechnic’s revival remained a matter of justice, accountability and responsible governance.

Oyedele said the restoration of the polytechnic, in Ogun West Senatorial District, was important to the educational advancement and economic prosperity of the state.

According to him, the polytechnic has been left in limbo for years, leading to significant loss of public resources and community discontent.

“This honourable house will recall that Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia, was established through legislation as part of a strategic educational reform initiative of the Ogun State Government.

“Its creation was seen as a testament to our collective commitment to advancing technical and vocational education in Ogun State.

“Regrettably, despite the passage of time and the construction of significant infrastructure, the polytechnic is yet to commence academic activities.

“A committee was constituted at the beginning of the first term of Gov. Dapo Abiodun to review the creation of this institution, but the committee’s report is yet to be made public.

“No positive development has been achieved since then, leaving the fate of the polytechnic in uncertainty,” he said.

According to the lawmaker, the polytechnic’s location, Ipokia, is a strategic border town with a potential international hub for education, capable of attracting students from neighbouring countries.

Oyedele, therefore, urged the state government to allocate funds for the rehabilitation and operational take-off of the institution, ensuring the completion of existing facilities and procurement of academic resources.

He sought the immediate accreditation of programmes by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and other relevant regulatory bodies to enable a phased commencement of academic activities.

He recommended the integration of community stakeholders, including traditional rulers, in the institution’s revival process to ensure local ownership and sustainability.

“There is a need to preserve the state’s investment by securing the polytechnic’s infrastructure from further decay, theft, or vandalism while awaiting its operational take-off,” he said.

In his submission, Mr Wahab Haruna (APC-Yewa North II), noted that the institution’s take-off would boost the economic growth of the axis.

Other lawmakers, supporting the motion, called on the state government to expedite action on the immediate take-off of the institution.

The Speaker, Mr Oludaisi Elemide (APC-Odeda), noted the importance of the assembly knowing all ongoing projects across the state.

The Majority Leader, Mr Yusuf Sheriff (APC-Ado Odo/Ota), moved that the motion be passed into resolution; he was seconded by Mr Lukman Adeleye (PDP-Odogbolu). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki and Moses Solanke