Di Rector of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Dr. Kehinde Alabi, don call on Federal Government to establish more polytechnics across Nigeria to accelerate national development. Alabi make dis appeal on Monday during press conference wey dem hold to announce activities for di institution eighth convocation ceremony wey go hold on Thursday.
Di ceremony go cover graduates from 2020/2021 to 2024/2025 academic sessions. Alabi emphasize say polytechnic education dey equip students with practical and technical skills wey dey essential for industrial growth. Di rector caution against discrimination between university and polytechnic graduates, noting say both dey trained for complementary purposes.
Alabi yarn say, “Polytechnic graduates na those wey get di practical skills wey fit enhance di development of industries. Foundation dey train students for leadership, integrity.” Di rector add say, “Di reason why we get many polytechnics na to produce di technical manpower wey need for industrialisation, but unfortunately, we now witness development crisis and reduction for number of industries as result of energy crisis. Na dis one lead to competition between polytechnic and university graduates.”
Alabi further explain say, “For advanced countries, polytechnic graduates dey earn more than university graduates for technical areas. Unless Federal Government realign im development priorities, we still need more polytechnics. No need for dis competition because both sets of graduates dem train for different purposes.”
Di rector also announce say Yakib Afolabi of Department of Business Administration, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, go deliver di convocation lecture on Wednesday. Di lecture wey title am ‘Entrepreneurship in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities for Wealth Creation and National Development’ go chair by di Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilesa, Professor Taiwo Asaolu.
Alabi further highlight di creation of Career Development and Skills Acquisition Directorate for di polytechnic, wey aim to enhance students career progression and equip dem with relevant skills for modern workforce. Di rector stress say dis initiative go help bridge di gap between academic training and industry requirements.
Di call for more polytechnics come at time wen Nigeria dey face challenges for industrial growth and technical manpower development. Many experts don dey advocate for renewed focus on technical education to drive national development agenda.
Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, na one of di leading polytechnics for Nigeria wey dey produce graduates with practical skills for various sectors of di economy. Di institution eighth convocation ceremony go feature award of diplomas and certificates to deserving graduates.
Di rector appeal to government and private sector to invest more in polytechnic education infrastructure and equipment to ensure graduates meet international standards. Alabi note say with proper funding and support, polytechnics fit play crucial role for Nigeria quest for technological advancement and economic diversification.
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