Federal Polytechnic Ilaro Urges Govt To Introduce Degree Programmes In Polytechnics To End HND/BSc Dichotomy
By: Raymond Osho
The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro Ogun State has called on the Federal government to consider expanding the offerings of polytechnics to include degree programmes in order to eliminate the longstanding dichotomy between BSC and HND qualifications.
The Rector of the institution, Dr Mukhail Akinde, believes that by providing polytechnics with the opportunity to run degree programs, the government can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable education system in Nigeria.
Akinde who spoke on Thursday during a press conference organised for the 22nd convocation ceremony and 45th Founders’ Day anniversary of the institution at the polytechnic premises, noted that allowing polytechnics to run degree programmes will equally bridge the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge.
Akinde, while commenting on the country economic situation, suggested massive investment in Polytechnic education, arguing that that is the only way to solve Nigeria’s economic setback.
According to the Rector, Nigeria’s current economic upheaval can be blamed on the poor funding of polytechnic, stressing the capability of technical education to solve the nation’s problems.
“We are where we are today because we are not investing in polytechnic education. For instance, we have made so many inventions that can add value to our economy but we cannot get them to the industry because we don’t have the support.
“If we want to change the narrative in this country, we must fund polytechnic education and give support to the president. Also, any country that wants to experience reasonable success must invest in electricity.
“In fairness to the current administration, President Bola Tinubu is doing excellently. His policies are working and we are seeing industries which have died in the past coming alive. So many aviation companies left this country in the past but we see them returning under Tinubu’s government. This shows that the economy is working again under him.
The Rector further unveiled the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun as the Guest Lecturer for the week-long convocation ceremony, adding that the academic board of the polytecnic has carefully selected three awardees, including the Hon. Minister of aviation Festus keyamo for a special award.
His words “We have carefully chosen the convocation lecturer, that’s the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun who is going to lecture us on the renewed hope agenda, and also people leaving the country, what’s the effect in educational sector., Japa syndrome, recommendation, how do we move forward
“Academic board was very meticulous in scrutinizing the 3 awardees, we have carefully selected Hon. Minister of aviation Festus keyamo (SAN)”
