..Tinubu’s education reforms on track, targets HND/degree gap
..8,713 graduands emerge as institution honours national leaders
The Minister of Education, Dr Moruf Alausa, has charged Nigerian graduates to deploy their knowledge and skills towards addressing the country’s developmental challenges, insisting that they must become active problem-solvers in society.
Speaking at the 23rd convocation ceremony of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro—now Federal University of Technology—the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning the education sector for national growth.
Dr Alausa, who was represented by the Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions, Mrs Igwe Amy, emphasised that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains resolute in implementing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda for education.
He noted that efforts are ongoing to address the longstanding dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and university degrees, including plans to upgrade polytechnics to degree-awarding institutions.
According to him, the reforms are aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education as a key driver of productivity and economic development.
Congratulating the graduands, the Minister urged them to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship as they step into a new phase of life. He encouraged them to be bold and proactive in contributing to national development.
“I firmly believe that with your skills and determination, you can be part of the solution. Be innovative and harness your abilities to drive positive change,” he said.
Dr Alausa further disclosed that a revised national curriculum would take effect in the 2025/2026 academic session, introducing mandatory vocational skills and reducing the number of subjects to promote deeper learning.
He added that new areas such as solar photovoltaic installation and robotics would be integrated into the curriculum to align education with global technological trends.
Earlier in his address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr Mikhail Akinde, revealed that a total of 8,713 students graduated during the exercise.
He stated that 3,067 students earned Higher National Diplomas, while 5,646 obtained Ordinary National Diplomas across various disciplines.
Providing further breakdown, Dr Akinde said 201 HND graduates achieved distinctions, while 281 OND graduands also graduated with top grades.
He identified Fadiran Boluwatife Enitan of the Science and Laboratory Technology Department, who graduated with a CGPA of 3.97, as the overall best HND student. Tijani Boluwatife Oluwaseyi, with a CGPA of 3.93, emerged as the best ND student.
The convocation ceremony also featured the conferment of fellowship awards on notable personalities, including Dikko Umaru Radda, Dapo Abiodun, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Rasheed Ladoja, and the Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Gbadebo.
Others honoured include Mr Sotayo Olugbenga Sonuga, Chief Executive Officer of Haven Homes, in recognition of their contributions to national development.
In his convocation lecture titled “Digital Literacy: Fundamental Skills and Job Creation Tools for Graduands in the 21st Century,” Governor Radda urged young Nigerians to embrace digital innovation as a pathway to job creation and economic prosperity.
Represented by his deputy, Farouk Lawal, he encouraged the graduates to leverage technology and partner with government in building a more prosperous society.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr Akinde, also charged the graduands to uphold the values of their institution and utilise their knowledge to make meaningful contributions as they embark on their future endeavours.
