Rector Charges Government On Technical Education Policy

[Defender]

The Federal Government of Nigeria has been urged to review the nation's polytechnic admission policy to the previous 80-20 percent in favour of science and technology education, to enhance technological advancement of the country.

This was disclosed by the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Dr Joseph Oke at a lecture organised by Igbajo Polytechnic titled: Strengthening the Polytechnic system for effective harnessing of Nigeria's Technological and Economic potentials, held at the Igbajo Town Hall.

He disclosed that the vision behind establishment of Polytechnics in the country was to enhance technological advancement and industrial development of the country.

Oke lamented that policy makers in the nation's education sector have joined in relegating technical education to the rear by regularly emphasising access to university education at the detriment of polytechnic education.

He disclosed that it is disgusting that Nigeria, which pride itself as the Giant of Africa is ranked below countries like Benin Republic, Rwanda, Uganda and Botswana in global competitiveness, which result from poor technological and institutional development.

The lecturer then stated that for Nigeria to meet its vision of becoming one of the biggest economies in the world by year 2020, it must revitalise its technological education by placing emphasis on science and technology.

Furthermore, he stressed the need for the National Board for Technical Education NBTE to revise the nation's technical education curriculum to meet the demand of the existing and emerging industry, rather than remaining mere academic exercise.

"NBTE should liaise with relevant industries to determine the type of technology required, so that the institution can produce graduates relevant in such fields and with knowledge ahead of those available in the industry", Oke added

He also adviced on the need for networking and interchanging of ideas between and among technical and research institutions in the state to further enhance efficiency among the various technologists in the country.

According to him, the country needs to adapt strategies, which include catching-up, kicking-up and getting ahead in order to tap into developed technology.

"Technological and science exposition should be market-driven rather than a venue for seeking unnecessary publicity. This is the way to move the nation forward in the area of science and technological development," the rector added.

Osun Defender