NIDCOM Urges MAPOLY, Alumni To Actively Engage Diaspora Members For Sustenance Of Academic Excellence

Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM ) has urged the management of the Ogun State Government owned Moshood Abiola Polytechnic MAPOLY Abeokuta and alumni of the institution to actively engage its graduates in diaspora, so as to sustain the culture of academic excellence and technological growth of the country 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Hon.(Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa who gave the charge in Abeokuta, the State capital while delivering the 15th Combined Convocation Ceremonies of MAPOLY titled "Diaspora Perspective and The Influence of STEM in The Globalized World Today ", identified the institution as key player in the implementation of STEM as national policy which focuses on using knowledge acquired in Science Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) to enhance the growth of the country 

She particularly acknowledged the giant strides recorded by MAPOLY under the Rectorship of Dr(Arc.) Babatunde Jolaoso through stronger alumni engagement, reunions, mentorship initiative and professional networking which according to her, has created meaningful links among past students, the institution and current learners 

"I want to urge Moshood Abiola Polytechnic MAPOLY Abeokuta to be actively engaging with Nigerians in the diaspora, especially its diaspora alumni through initiatives aimed at fostering unity, visibility and continued excellence within the alumni community"

"These initiatives must include national conventions, mentorship programmes and collaborative projects that benefit both home and diaspora communities. The MAPOLY Alumni Association (MAPALUM) is a key player in these efforts", she stated 

Dabiri-Erewa who cited several Nigerians in diaspora who returned to invest and impact on lives of many under the STEM initiative, recommended the need for MAPOLY for establishment of bi-annual convention among students, staff and alumni to discuss development of the institution 

She called for establishment of diaspora scholarship programmes for students and staff development and MAPOLY Institutional capacity development of endowments, facility development among other recommendations 

"I want to employ our institutions and our people in the diaspora to continue to have strong collaborative relationship with institutions like MAPOLY and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) focused on advancing migration education, strengthening policies and implementing National Diaspora Policy "

"At NIDCOM, we are committed to leveraging the diaspora for national development, particularly in areas of economic growth, skills and knowledge transfer especially in the STEM areas "

"MAPOLY must therefore also engage with our diaspora especially those involved in STEM as a policy for global relevance ", she advised 

The convocation lecturer then charged the graduands to demonstrate high degree of determination using the skills acquired to succeed, saying a bright future await them in spite of the economic challenges in the country 

She equally urged them to always adhere strictly to travel regulations and be mindful of those who might want to exploit them under the guise of going abroad to seek for greener pasture