President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on polytechnics and technical schools across the country to focus on problem-solving knowledge through training and skills development.
The President gave the advice on Wednesday at the 22nd convocation and 45th Founder’s Day anniversary of the Federal Polytechnic in Ilaro, Ogun State.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Senior Director of Polytechnic Allied Institutions, Dr. Ejeh Usman, announced that the Federal Ministry of Education was planning to revamp Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) content delivery.
He said this would shift the emphasis to 80 per cent practical and 20 per cent theory for students in various fields, like renewable energy, agriculture, and others.
President Tinubu noted that the change would equip students with the skills they need to fit well in today’s dynamic workforce.
The President said polytechnic education and its sub-sectors are important in driving sustainable development, adding that by prioritising education and skills training, Nigeria would unlock the full potential of its citizens and propel the country forward.
“I wish to commend the institution for its hard work and commitment to educational excellence. Your institution has consistently demonstrated a commitment to providing high-quality education and training.
“I am proud to identify with your giant strides and phenomenal feats. I am proud of you for reaching this important milestone, signaling your full preparedness, self-sufficiency, and readiness to apply the hands-on, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills you have acquired over the last five years. I urge you to be bold, innovative, and entrepreneurial.”
The President announced that he had made education a top priority, ranking it third in the budget presentation to the National Assembly on December 18, 2024, right after defense and infrastructure.
On his part, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, stressed the need to harness the talents and creativity of youths in order to build a self sustaining economy.
Abiodun while urging the graduating students to utilize what they have learnt irrespective of their chosen career, assured that his administration would continue to invest in education, infrastructure and industrial development.
Delivering the convocation lecture, titled, ‘Renewed Hope Agenda: Brain Drain And Japa Syndrome – The Way Forward’, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, represented by the State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo lamented that inadequate healthcare, poor educational infrastructure, and increasing social unrest push professionals to seek a better quality of life abroad.
He said, to mitigate this, the Federal Government should invest in education, skill development and improving working conditions to create viable opportunities for professionals to thrive locally.
“Many young and educated Nigerians find themselves trapped in a cycle of unemployment with wages that do not match the rising cost of living.
“While the Renew Hope Agenda outlines strategies to curb mass emigration, its success depends on addressing root causes such as unemployment, economic instability, poor wages and insecurity. By Investing in education, skill development, and improving working conditions we can create viable opportunities for professionals to thrive locally,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Mukail Akinde, advised the graduating students to work hard, avoid crime and support President Tinubu in making the country better.
Akinde also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his interventions in the education sector and the introduction of students loan, saying it has been instrumental to the remarkable progress recorded in the polytechnic sub-sector.
A total of 7,190 students graduated with the National and Higher National Diploma programs.
