The National Association of Ogun State Students has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for fulfilling his pledge to reward outstanding graduates of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, including the release of ₦2.5 million to the family of the late best graduating student.
In a statement signed by its National President, Oluwafemi Ajayi, also known as FM Castro, and made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, NAOSS described the gesture as a demonstration of responsive and compassionate leadership.
The students’ body recalled that following the emergence of its national leadership on December 13, 2025, it had held a press conference at the Obafemi Awolowo Presidential Library, where it formally presented its demands to the Ogun State Government.
It was stated that prominent among the demands was the fulfilment of the governor’s promise to reward outstanding MAPOLY graduates.
Ajayi noted that the governor’s swift action, coming less than two months after the appeal, underscored his commitment to listening to students and honouring promises made.
According to NAOSS, the payment of ₦2.5 million each to nine outstanding MAPOLY graduates, including beneficiaries dating back to 2016, fulfilled the pledge made by Abiodun during MAPOLY’s 15th combined convocation ceremony in June 2025, alongside the approval of a ₦2 billion intervention fund for the institution.
“This rare speed underscores a leader whose ears are open to the people and whose promises are sacred.
The fulfillment of the pledge—₦2.5 million each to nine outstanding MAPOLY graduates, including beneficiaries dating back to 2016—reaffirms the promise made by His Excellency at MAPOLY’s 15th Combined Convocation Ceremony in June 2025, alongside the landmark ₦2 billion intervention fund for the institution,” the statement partly read.
Ajayi said that the development reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to excellence in education.
The association also praised the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, for what it described as his professional handling of the award presentation and consistent advocacy for academic excellence.
NAOSS said it was particularly moved by the inclusion of the family of the late Orisawayi Samuel Emmanuel, popularly known as Samoriz, who died in December 2025 before receiving the reward for his academic achievement.
Receiving the award on behalf of the deceased, his brother, Johnson Timileyin, recounted the health challenges that preceded his death.
“After treatment, he was able to talk again, but he could not walk very well. We took him back to the hospital,” Timileyin said, explaining that the family later lost contact with him before being informed of his passing.
He added, “It is not about the money; he made this through education,” noting that the family plans to use the award to support the education of younger relatives and preserve his legacy.
NAOSS described the gesture as evidence of a government guided by empathy and conscience, stating that Ogun State students were encouraged and reassured by the development.
The association reiterated its appreciation to the governor and the education commissioner, saying the fulfilment of the pledge would be remembered as a defining moment in student-government relations in the state.
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