MAPOLY Launches Block-Making Industry and Solar Power System to Boost Student Entrepreneurship

Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, has taken a significant step in promoting practical entrepreneurship among its students by inaugurating Special Students’ Entrepreneurship Practical Projects (SPEPs) developed by the institution’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (MAPCED). The ceremony was led by the Governing Council Chairman, Emeritus Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun.

The SPEPs unveiled include a 5 KVA solar power system, a multi-point Wi-Fi network, and a concrete block-making industry. These initiatives were executed during the last academic session by students under the supervision of the Entrepreneurship Directorate, with technical guidance from industry experts.

Prof. Balogun emphasized the critical role Nigerian polytechnics can play in driving the country’s entrepreneurship revolution, provided they receive sufficient support from the government and education stakeholders. He praised MAPOLY for fostering “skills, not just degrees,” aligning with the National Board for Technical Education’s (NBTE) vision for polytechnic education.

He assured the public that the polytechnic would maintain high production standards, ensuring that the concrete blocks produced could compete with, and even set benchmarks for, the local block-making industry in Ogun State.

During the event, the Entrepreneurship Centre also showcased a documentary highlighting the technical training and mentorship provided by industry experts, many of whom are MAPOLY alumni.

In his remarks, the Rector, Dr. Koye Jolaoso, affirmed the governing council chairman’s commitment and stated that the scope and quality of the projects would be further expanded through collaboration with other departments, including the School of Mechanical Engineering, where block-making machines are also being fabricated.

The Director of the Centre, Dr. Olabisi Baiyewu, delivered the welcome address, expressing gratitude to the governing council and polytechnic management for their support. He emphasized the Centre’s mission to position MAPOLY as a leading institution for practical entrepreneurship education in Nigeria.

Dr. Baiyewu highlighted that the operational model of the centre could serve as a sustainable source of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the institution. He noted: “The Special Entrepreneurship Projects being commissioned were undertaken by our students across multiple disciplines: the School of Engineering managed the solar power system; the School of Environmental Sciences led the block-making project; and the School of Computer Science and Computer Engineering handled the Wi-Fi installation, all under the mentorship of experienced industry professionals, many of whom are our alumni.”

This initiative marks a pivotal moment for MAPOLY, showcasing how practical skills, industry collaboration, and student-driven projects can combine to enhance entrepreneurship education and economic development in Nigeria.