The National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for fulfilling his pledge to reward outstanding graduates of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), 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 shared with PUNCH Online on Tuesday, NAOSS described the governor’s gesture as a demonstration of responsive and compassionate leadership.
The students’ body recalled that following its national leadership election on December 13, 2025, it held a press conference at the Obafemi Awolowo Presidential Library to formally present its demands to the Ogun State Government. Central among the demands was the fulfilment of Governor Abiodun’s promise to reward outstanding MAPOLY graduates.
Ajayi praised the governor’s swift action, noting that less than two months after the appeal, ₦2.5 million was paid to nine deserving graduates, including beneficiaries dating back to 2016. “This rare speed underscores a leader whose ears are open to the people and whose promises are sacred,” the statement read. The gesture 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.
NAOSS said the development reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to excellence in education and commended the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, for his professional handling of the award presentation. The association described the gesture as evidence of a government guided by empathy and conscience, stating that Ogun State students were both encouraged and reassured by the development.
Particularly moving was 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 his behalf, his brother, Johnson Timileyin, recounted the health challenges that preceded his passing.
“After treatment, he was able to talk again, but he could not walk very well. We took him back to the hospital,” Timileyin said. “It is not about the money; he made this through education.” He added that the family plans to use the award to support the education of younger relatives and preserve Samoriz’s legacy.
The association reiterated its appreciation to Governor Abiodun and Commissioner Arigbabu, saying the fulfilment of the pledge would be remembered as a defining moment in student-government relations in Ogun State.
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