MAPOLY Loses Best Graduating Student Months After Convocation as Promised Award Remains Unfulfilled

Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, has been thrown into mourning following the death of its Best Graduating Student for the 2022/2023 academic session, Orisawayi Samuel Emmanuel.

Orisawayi, popularly known among students and staff as Samoriz, was a standout graduate of the Civil Engineering Department and was celebrated as the overall best graduating student of the institution. His death, which reportedly occurred on Sunday, December 7, has sent shockwaves across the MAPOLY academic community.

The late scholar was formally honoured just six months earlier during the institution’s 15th Combined Convocation Ceremony held on June 24. At the ceremony, he emerged top among over 51,000 National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates, earning widespread applause for his exceptional academic performance, discipline, and dedication to excellence.

Students and lecturers described Orisawayi as focused, hardworking, and intellectually gifted, noting that he embodied the values of scholarship and perseverance. His sudden death, coming shortly after his greatest academic achievement, has been described by many as painful and deeply ironic.

Investigations revealed that Orisawayi passed away before receiving the ₦2.5 million cash reward promised to outstanding graduates by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun. The reward was publicly announced during the convocation ceremony, but findings indicate that the pledge had not been fulfilled before his demise.

Orisawayi Samuel Emmanuel was laid to rest on Monday amid tears, grief, and emotional tributes from family members, friends, and members of the MAPOLY community.