Technical, Vocational Education Critical In Solving Nigeria’s Challenges – FG

By Simeon OSAJIE

The federal government of Nigeria has said that technical and vocational education are critical in addressing challenges in the country particularly in the areas of industrial development, job creation and technological advancement.

This was stated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 61st anniversary and 26th to 29th combined convocation ceremony of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State.

President Tinubu who was represented by the Minister for Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh at the ceremony said technical skills are backbone of the economy as they drive innovation, improve productivity and create job.

According to him, “Technical education is needed to drive industrial development, job creation and technological advancement.

“Our country economic growth depend heavily in an institution like this which plays a vital role in equipping young people with the skills needed for dynamic evolving job market. You are equipped to become leaders, creator and problem solver.

“The essence of a polytechnic is to process the practical hard-on skills that are essential for driving our regional and national development,” he said.

Also, the Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Alausa called for the judicious utilisation of the Education Trust Fund (ETF) for tertiary institutions across the country.

“In fairness, government is trying its best through the Education Trust Fund (ETF) intervention. And I will like to admonish that ETF inputs must be seen to be appropriately and judiciously utilised so that in no distant time, we will all begin a harvest of the attendant benefits.”

The minister who was represented by Dr. Ejeh Usman, a director in the ministry affirmed government determination to move technological education to greater heights.

“To realise this highly beneficial aim of technological advancement, I dare say that focus will always be on the polytechnics.”

He enjoined the management and staff of the polytechnic to continue to maintain the integrity of the institution by always striving to excel.

“It is public knowledge that all manner of unethical practices are reported of a number of our higher institutions, I am glad to note that no finger has been pointed in the direction of Auchi polytechnic.

“With regard to this malady, you must therefore continue to sustain your integrity and never join the bandwagon,” he said.

While congratulating the graduands and wishing them well in their future endeavours, Dr. Alausa implored the teaching staff to demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities and put in that extra effort to make learning attractive so that some of the youths who now believe that schooling is a scam will be convinced to start thinking positively about education.

In his welcome address, the Chairman, Governing Council of the Institution, Professor Jonathan Ayuba appealed to Federal Government for more budgetary allocation to the polytechnic.

Although the Federal Government is doing its best to fund the polytechnic adding that the intervention through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) is not sufficient to address the infrastructural deficit of the institution.

He however appealed to the minister to allocate some capital projects through the budget of the ministry to help address the shortage of hostel accommodation, lecture theatres, workshops and laboratories in the polytechnic.

Earlier, the Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Umar said that 19,543 graduated with Higher National Diploma (HND) in the last four years.

Dr. Umar disclosed that 14 projects had been completed while six are ongoing since he took the leadership of the institution in 2022.

The rector listed such projects to include 250 capacity twin-lecture theatre for the school of engineering; construction of new workshop for the department of mechanical engineering and block of offices for the school of agricultural technology.

Others are; renovation of 22 classroom building in school of environmental studies, remodeling of a laboratory for the school of applied science, construction of the polytechnic main gate and construction of centre for innovation and skills acquisition amongst others.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the conferment of the honourary fellowship awards to five distinguished personalities they are Apostle Prof. Johnson Suleman, President Omega Fire Ministries International, Prof. Samson Duna, DG Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI); Chief Dan Osi Obih, Chairman, Governing Council, Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze, Anambra; Chief Dr Abu Inu-Umoru, Chairman, SETRACO Nigeria Limited and Dr Olusegun Olugboyegun, Chairman, Jof Nigeria Limited.