Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state has signed into law a bill to upgrade Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta (MAPOLY) to a university status, thus bringing the number of universities in the state to 11.

The addition of MAPOLY would bring to three the number of universities owned by the state. Already it owned Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye and Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu Ode.

The institution was formally established in 1980 as Ogun state Polytechnic during the military administration of Harris Eghagha.The state is a host to eight others out of which seven are privately owned. They are, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Covenant University, Ota, Crawford University, Igbesa, Crescent University, Abeokuta, McPherson University, Abeokuta and Mountain Top University.

Governor Amosun also signed into law the bill to re-establish the Ogun State Polytechnic in Ipokia Local government area of the State.Amosun who gave his assent to the two bills at the state executive council meeting said the two institutions would be run on different campuses.

Besides, he added that government would engage necessary think tanks and qualified academics to provide the technical guide for the successful take-off of the institutions so as to compete favourably with others.

The Governor commended the efforts of the state House of Assembly for the timely and successful passage of the bills and assured that all necessary documents has been put in place and sent to the appropriate quarters.

In a chat with reporters after passing the bills, the speaker, Ishola Adekunbi, said the Assembly acted promptly considering the prospect and opportunities the institutions would attract to the state.

He added that the decision would also create employment opportunities for the people in addition to providing easy access to tertiary education in Ipokia and its environs.

Guardianng