MAPOLY alumni advise old students on career advancement
The Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Alumni Association, Mr. Gafar Odubote, has called on alumni chapters across the globe to create robust professional development platforms for members and students of the institution.
Speaking after the inauguration of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Europe chapter of the association in London over the weekend, Odubote said such initiatives would empower individuals, enhance their skills, and foster career advancement.
He encouraged the new chapter to establish a digital directory to ensure seamless communication and engagement with alumni, especially those in the diaspora.
“We look forward to exploring joint initiatives, particularly in areas of educational and cultural exchange, professional development, and alumni-student mentorship opportunities that will benefit both home and diaspora communities,” he said.
The newly inaugurated executives are Mr Kunle Orekoya, Chairman; Mr. Gbenga Yeku, Secretary; Pastor Deji Abioye, Treasurer; Mrs Margret James, Welfare and Ireland Coordinator and Alhaji Razak Ashiru.
Odubote said the occasion signified a clear demonstration of the diaspora team’s leadership and dedication to fostering unity, visibility and continued excellence within the MAPOLY alumni community across international borders.
He reiterated that the Lagos chapter was proud of this achievement and remained fully committed to supporting the growth of the UK, Ireland & Europe chapter.
He hoped that the partnership between the Lagos chapter and the new chapter, would lead to the strengthening of the ties between the two and create lasting benefits for both local and diaspora communities.
He added: “I extend our warm appreciation, especially to the Chairman of the Chapter, Kunle Orekoya, for his vision and tenacity in bringing this initiative to life; to our National President, Ezekiel Obasanya, for his consistent leadership; and to the Council of Distinguished Alumni for their steadfast commitment to institutional legacy and global expansion.
“We pledge to actively refer and connect alumni based abroad to your network, ensuring they find a welcoming home and a sense of purpose within the diaspora chapter.”
In his speech, National President, MAPALUM, said that apart from networking and reunion, the association’s four areas of opportunities available to alumni included business and entrepreneurship, individual development, community action and international cooperation.
Obasanya further congratulated Kunle Orekoya, the new chapter chairman and his other executive members for their doggedness and tenacity in bringing the chapter to bear.
He added: “The National Executive Council is proud of this achievement and remains fully committed to supporting the growth of the UK, Ireland and Europe chapter.”
Also, Past National President, MAPALUM, Mr. Olalekan Otun, pledged to refer and connect alumni based abroad to UK chapter and the provisional USA and North America chapter.
He further urged the UK Chapter to create a directory and social media platforms that could be shared with various sets in the diaspora to join the chapter.
Meanwhile, the Alumni chairman, Odubote has honoured the memory of the late Mr Taiwo Otunba, a former Head of the Mass Communication Department.
Odubote described Otunba as “a distinguished linguist and communication scholar, visionary thinker, and a highly revered lecturer among lecturers.
“His immense contribution to education and his dedicated mentorship of countless professionals who graduated from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, formerly Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, will remain cherished,” he said.
Reflecting further, Mr Odubote remarked, “We fondly remember his captivating lectures, marked by his articulate renditions, scholarly presentations, his distinctly American accent, and the masterful eloquence with which he delivered topics on writing for the mass media.”
Commenting on the late scholar’s enduring legacy, the past National President of the Alumni Association, Mr Olalekan, stated, “The remarkable influence of Mr Taiwo Otunba is evident in our pursuit of impartial journalism, balanced media reporting, and unwavering professionalism. His guidance has profoundly shaped our careers and values.”
Adding his views, Mr Otun remarked, “The late Mr Taiwo Otunba will be sorely missed by the Muslim community, his neighbours—including the former President Olusegun Obasanjo—at Ita-Eko, Abeokuta, where he stood as both a community leader and an extraordinary intellectual.”
Mr Taiwo Otunba served with distinction as the Head of the Mass Communication Department at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, dedicating over three decades of his life to lecturing and shaping the minds of future professionals.
