The Rector of Osun State Polytechnic Iree, Kehinde Alabi, has urged the Federal Government to establish more polytechnics across the country as a way of accelerating national development.
Alabi made this call during a press briefing on Monday ahead of the institution’s eighth convocation ceremony, scheduled for Thursday. The event will celebrate graduates from the 2020/2021 to the 2024/2025 academic sessions.
According to him, polytechnic education plays a vital role in equipping students with hands-on and technical skills needed to drive industrialization and economic growth.
He also cautioned against the long-standing bias between university and polytechnic graduates, stressing that both systems serve different but complementary purposes.
“Polytechnic graduates possess the practical expertise required to power industries,” he said, noting that the country’s development challenges are partly linked to a shortage of skilled technical manpower and a decline in industrial activities.
Alabi explained that in many developed nations, graduates with technical skills often earn more than their university counterparts in specialised fields, adding that Nigeria must realign its priorities to reflect this reality.
He maintained that the perceived rivalry between the two categories of graduates is unnecessary, as each is trained to fulfil distinct roles in national development.
As part of activities marking the convocation, Alabi announced that Yakub Afolabi of Federal University Oye-Ekiti will deliver the convocation lecture.
The lecture, titled “Entrepreneurship in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities for Wealth Creation and National Development,” will be chaired by Taiwo Asaolu, Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilesa.
Alabi further revealed that the polytechnic has established a Directorate for Career Development and Skills Acquisition, aimed at preparing students for the evolving demands of the modern workforce and improving their employability after graduation.
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