The Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, has been upgraded to a university. It is to be called Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology, Abeokuta.
This was made possible courtesy to a bill for that purpose signed into law on Monday by Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State.
Also signed into law is the bill to establish the Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia, in the Yewa area of the state.
Amosun signed the bills during the State Executive Council meeting at the governor’s office in Abeokuta.
He said the MKO University, which would operate a multi-campus system, was expected to boost science and technology in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this is the highest honour bestowed on the late MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential poll, rated worldwide as one of the freest and best elections in the history of the country.
The administration of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, had arrested and detained Abiola for declaring himself president following the annulment of the election by military dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
Ogun had named the state polytechnic and the state stadium in Abeokuta after the late Abiola.
Governor Amosun commended the House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill.
In an interview with newsmen after the occasion, the Speaker, Mr. Suraj Adekunbi, said the House gave the bill accelerated passage because of the priority the government accorded education.
He noted that the establishment of the two institutions would create more jobs in the state.
The Ogun State Assembly had, on January 31, passed the MKO Abiola University Bill and the Ogun State Polytechnic, Ipokia Bills.