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By John Ogunsemore
The National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for swiftly fulfilling his pledge to reward outstanding graduates of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), describing the action as a demonstration of “responsive leadership” that honours excellence and keeps promises.
This is contained in a Tuesday statement issued by NAOSS National President, Aare Oluwafemi Ajayi, also known as FM Castro, and sent to Daily Sun.
NAOSS recalled that the governor had promised to award ₦2.5 million each to nine top-performing MAPOLY graduates, spanning from the 2015/2016 to the 2023/2024 academic sessions.
NAOSS noted that the fulfillment of the promise came less than two months after it presented its demands to the state government during a press conference on December 13, 2025, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).
“Following our emergence as the leadership of Ogun State students, on 13th December 2025 at the OOPL, NAOSS National held a press conference where we formally presented our demands to the Ogun State Government.
“Paramount among these demands was the fulfillment of the Governor’s pledge to reward outstanding graduates of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY),” Ajayi stated.
He added, “It is both remarkable and historic that in less than two months, Mr Governor listened attentively and acted decisively.
“This rare speed underscores a leader whose ears are open to the people and whose promises are sacred.”
The awards reaffirm a commitment Gov Abiodun made during MAPOLY’s 15th Combined Convocation Ceremony in June 2025, where he announced the cash prizes alongside a ₦2 billion intervention fund for the institution’s infrastructure.
“This is leadership that remembers commitments and honours excellence without excuses,” Ajayi said.
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NAOSS also praised the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, for his role in the award presentation and his advocacy for academic integrity.
“His professional handling of the award presentation and consistent advocacy for academic excellence reflect depth, clarity, and uncommon dedication to human capital development,” the release noted.
It added, “His firm position on curbing examination malpractice while rewarding diligence sends a powerful message that hard work remains the currency of success in Ogun State.”
Daily Sun learnt that a pivotal aspect of the fulfillment was the posthumous award to the family of the late Orisawayi Samuel Emmanuel, popularly known as Samoriz, who was the top graduate in the Civil Engineering Department for the 2022/2023 session but passed away in December 2025 before receiving the honour.
The student’s brother, Johnson Timileyin, received the award on behalf of the family.
Recounting the circumstances, Timileyin said, “After treatment, he was able to talk again, but he could not walk very well. We took him back to the hospital …”
He explained that the family continued caring for Samuel at their mother’s home until communication ceased, and they learned of his passing.
Timileyin emphasised the award’s significance beyond its monetary value:
“It is not about the money; he made this through education,” adding that the funds would sustain Samuel’s legacy by supporting the education of younger relatives and possibly immortalising his name.
“This gesture speaks of a government guided by empathy, not just policy,” Ajayi stressed.
“Your Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, this is governance with conscience, memory, and honour. Ogun State students are not only watching—we are encouraged, reassured, and proud.”
NAOSS further reaffirmed its appreciation for “a Governor who listens promptly and a Commissioner who delivers with vision,” stating, “History will record this moment.”
