Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, Abeokuta

 
The Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, Abeokuta (MAUSTECH), was proposed as a significant transformation in the higher education landscape of Ogun State, Nigeria. With a focus on science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, MAUSTECH was envisioned to play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s scientific and industrial development.

This post explores the origins, motivations, structural transformations, and leadership that shaped the formation of the university as of 2017.

##Background of Higher Education in Ogun State
Ogun State has long been recognized as one of Nigeria’s educational hubs, hosting a number of tertiary institutions including federal, state, and private universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. One of the most notable among these was the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), located in Abeokuta, the state capital.

MAPOLY, formerly known as Ogun State Polytechnic, was renamed in 1998 in honor of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and acclaimed winner of Nigeria’s annulled 1993 presidential elections.

The polytechnic had grown to become one of the most respected state-owned institutions in the country, with thousands of students enrolled in various National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programs.

##Establishment of MAUSTECH: Policy Direction in 2017
In early 2017, under the administration of Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the Ogun State Government announced its decision to transform MAPOLY into a full-fledged university of science and technology. This initiative was part of a broader educational reform policy aimed at aligning tertiary education with global standards and national development goals.

The new institution was named Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, Abeokuta (MAUSTECH), in a move designed to honor Chief M.K.O. Abiola's contributions to Nigeria’s development, while also repositioning the state as a leader in science and technology education.

The law establishing MAUSTECH was passed by the Ogun State House of Assembly and signed into law by the governor in 2017. This marked a significant policy shift, transitioning the polytechnic into a university model with a mandate to offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in science, technology, and allied disciplines.

##Mission and Vision of MAUSTECH
Mission:
MAUSTECH was designed to provide high-quality university education with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and innovation, aimed at producing graduates capable of contributing to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

Vision:
To become a leading university of science and technology in Africa, fostering research, innovation, and excellence in education.

##Institutional Transformation: From MAPOLY to MAUSTECH
The transformation of MAPOLY into MAUSTECH involved complex administrative, structural, and operational changes. This included:

Upgrading Facilities: The existing infrastructure at MAPOLY was set to be upgraded to meet university standards, including laboratories, lecture halls, libraries, and hostels.

Curriculum Development: Introduction of new degree programs, accreditation processes, and development of research-driven curricula in fields such as engineering, applied sciences, information technology, and environmental sciences.

Staff Reassignment and Recruitment: Existing staff at MAPOLY were to be reassigned or reabsorbed based on qualifications, while the university planned to recruit additional academic and non-academic staff to meet regulatory and operational requirements.

Student Transition Plan: There was a transitional arrangement for students already enrolled in ND and HND programs at MAPOLY to complete their programs without disruption.

##Controversies and Challenges
Despite the ambitious vision behind MAUSTECH, its establishment was met with some controversies and operational challenges:

Stakeholder Concerns: There were concerns from staff, students, and alumni regarding the fate of existing MAPOLY programs, job security, and accreditation of courses.

Logistical Delays: Implementation delays in infrastructure upgrades and staffing hindered the swift take-off of the university.

Need for a New Polytechnic: To compensate for the transition, the state government proposed establishing a new polytechnic in Ipokia, Ogun State, which would take over MAPOLY’s former role. However, this too faced infrastructural and administrative hurdles.

##Appointment of the Pioneer Vice Chancellor
In May 2017, the Ogun State Government appointed Prof. Oluyemi O. Bamgbose as the Pioneer Vice Chancellor of Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology.

Prof. Bamgbose is a distinguished academic with a strong background in environmental science and geochemistry. He previously served in various academic and administrative capacities at the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s premier universities. His appointment was based on his reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and administrative competence.

As Vice Chancellor, his responsibilities included:

Leading the strategic development of MAUSTECH.

Coordinating the academic and infrastructural frameworks required for university status.

Liaising with regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC) to secure full accreditation.

Overseeing staff recruitment, training, and transition planning.

Ensuring that the legacy of M.K.O. Abiola as a symbol of educational excellence and patriotism was embedded into the institution's culture.


Prof. Bamgbose’s vision for MAUSTECH emphasized sustainability, international partnerships, digital innovation, and community impact, all aimed at making the university a flagship institution in Nigeria’s science and technology landscape.