Diaspora Alumnus Storms MAPOLY, Pledges Big Push for Alma Mater’s Global Rise

A high-profile Canada-based alumnus of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Chief Olufemi Shodunke, on Tuesday paid a strategic visit to the institution’s Rector, Arc. Dr. ’Koye Jolaoso, setting the stage for deeper alumni-driven transformation of the nearly 48-year-old polytechnic.

Accompanied by his wife, Chief Shodunke was warmly received in the Rector’s office in what both sides described as a symbolic yet forward-looking engagement. The discussions focused on concrete pathways for sustainable institutional growth, with strong emphasis on alumni engagement, infrastructural support, student mentorship, and forging global partnerships that align with Management’s ongoing rebranding and repositioning agenda.

Earlier, the distinguished alumnus featured as a guest on MAPOLY Radio 99.7 FM, where he openly praised the current leadership. He described the visible transformation under Arc. Dr. Jolaoso as “fantastic work” that is steadily preparing the polytechnic for global competitiveness. Shodunke lauded the Rector’s efforts and pledged his continued support for the advancement of his alma mater from the diaspora.

Responding, Arc. Dr. Jolaoso expressed deep appreciation for the visit and for Shodunke’s unwavering loyalty to the institution despite living abroad. The Rector, who holds the historic distinction of being the first alumnus appointed to lead MAPOLY, reiterated that the polytechnic’s alumni remain among its greatest assets. He assured that Management would continue creating meaningful platforms for alumni participation in the school’s growth and development.

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Chief Olufemi Shodunke is no stranger to public life. A veteran journalist and former Deputy Editor of the defunct Nigerian Compass newspaper, he previously worked with National Concord, The Comet and The Nation. He fled Nigeria after surviving assassination attempts and has since built a life in Canada, where he remains active in community leadership, including past roles as President of the Olumo Progressive Association Canada and involvement with Egba and Yoruba diaspora organisations. Only days before the MAPOLY visit, he was received by former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the latter’s Abeokuta residence.

On the other side of the table sits a Rector who has made alumni relations a deliberate pillar of his administration since assuming office in December 2024. Arc. Dr. Jolaoso has repeatedly stressed the power of alumni networks, citing examples of past donations such as the ₦150 million Legacy House by Marketing Department alumni and various infrastructure and equipment gifts from different sets. His tenure has also coincided with renewed government attention, including a recent ₦2 billion infrastructure package announced by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for lecture theatres, roads, library facilities and other critical projects.

The visit underscores a growing recognition that MAPOLY’s future competitiveness will depend heavily on mobilising its global alumni base. From infrastructural gaps and programme accreditation to mentorship for students and international linkages, the polytechnic is actively seeking partners who understand both its history and its ambitions.

By the end of the meeting, both parties left with a shared commitment: that the bond between MAPOLY and its sons and daughters in the diaspora must translate into tangible support capable of accelerating the institution’s transformation into a more competitive, globally oriented centre of learning and skills development.

The engagement signals that under Arc. Dr. Jolaoso’s leadership, the call for alumni collaboration is no longer ceremonial — it is strategic, urgent and open for business.