Ascom Press
Government has been urged to implement policies that will reform and clearly define the role of polytechnic education in Nigeria's development. The call was made during the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) National Hybrid Conference held at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, with the theme "Polytechnic (TVET) Sector Under Current Educational and Economic Policies: Prospects or Woes".
Speaking at the conference, the acting rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Associate Professor Taiwo Lasisi, reiterated that polytechnic education remains indispensable to Nigeria's economic growth and industrial development. He reaffirmed his commitment to repositioning the institution, The Polytechnic Ibadan, and raising the standard of polytechnic education nationwide.
Professor Lasisi identified the persistent discrimination against polytechnic graduates as one of the major challenges confronting the sector.
"We are the institutions that produce technicians, technologists, innovators, and skilled entrepreneurs who drive industries. We are meant to be the bedrock of industrialisation, yet current educational policies have left us grappling with outdated curricula, inadequate funding, and the persistent dichotomy between B.Sc. and HND qualifications. Economic realities have also increased the cost of practical training materials, worsened energy challenges, accelerated brain drain, and made it difficult to meet the demands of a digital and AI-driven economy. The question remains whether these challenges present opportunities for transformation or constitute further setbacks," he said.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), The Polytechnic, Ibadan Chapter, Dr Kola Lawal said the conference was organised to deepen public understanding of the polytechnic system and its relevance to national development. He also commended Professor Lasisi for fostering a peaceful and cordial working environment within the institution.
Delivering the keynote address, former acting rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Adebisi Adeniran described the conference theme as timely, noting that Nigeria is currently undergoing significant economic reforms following the deregulation of key sectors of the economy.
He examined four critical areas affecting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), including government support, public perception of polytechnic education, the quality of technical education, and the sector's contribution to national economic development.
According to Adeniran, practical skills remain more valuable than mere academic certificates, stressing that Nigeria must prioritise competence and innovation over paper qualifications if it hopes to achieve sustainable industrial growth.
The Lead Speaker and Rector of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, Professor Jonathan Olusegun Adedokun, who was briefly present at the event, expressed appreciation to The Polytechnic, Ibadan, for contributing to his academic and professional development. His representative, Dr Ajibode Taiwo, presented the lead paper titled "Polytechnic Education: A Panacea for a Smart Economy".
In his presentation, Dr Ajibode argued that no nation can build a resilient economy without a strong polytechnic system. He highlighted the importance of technical education, identified major challenges facing the sector and proposed practical reforms to reposition it for national development.
Using advances in artificial intelligence (AI) as an example, he emphasised that technological innovation and practical learning must remain central to the future of polytechnic education.
He further cited countries such as Germany, Singapore and Scotland, where polytechnic institutions complement universities rather than compete with them, stressing that polytechnic education is not inferior to university education because it transforms technology into practical solutions, converts data into informed decisions and translates research into commercially valuable products.
Dignitaries at the conference included the Rector of Government Technical College, Igbo Ora, Professor Akinola Kehinde Akinlabi; the Deputy Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Princess Olaide Salawu; deans of faculties; directors; heads of departments; lecturers; and students of the institution.
The conference concluded with the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the advancement of polytechnic education in Nigeria. The maiden edition of the ASUP National Hybrid Conference also reaffirmed the union's commitment to promoting quality technical and vocational education and training as a catalyst for Nigeria's economic transformation.