The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, narrowly escaped an attack by protesting students in Abeokuta on January 15, 2025. The students, identified as members of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), targeted her convoy as she was en route to represent Governor Dapo Abiodun at the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day reception at the 35 Artillery Brigade.
The protesting students, armed with sticks and other projectiles, caused significant damage to several security vehicles in the deputy governor’s convoy. Some of her security personnel were injured while trying to control the situation.
Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, confirmed the incident, explaining that the students escalated the protest upon realizing that the convoy belonged to the Deputy Governor. The convoy was then diverted to allow the protest to pass before Salako-Oyedele proceeded to her scheduled engagement.
The protest was sparked by HND students at MAPOLY, who are opposing the school’s decision to verify their National Diploma (ND) results from previous institutions. They also voiced concerns about an alleged tuition fee hike and delays in the mobilization of HND students for the National Youth Service Corps. Following the unrest, the school management announced the indefinite closure of the institution for security reasons.
MAPOLY spokesperson, Yemi Ajibola, emphasized that the closure was necessary to ensure the safety of students and staff, given the tensions surrounding the verification of ND results. The institution has urged students to stay off-campus and assured parents and the public of timely updates.
