ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has restated his administration’s dedication to the education sector, assuring of sustained efforts to reinforce schools and enhance learning outcomes for students across the state.
He gave the assurance on Friday at the 40th convocation ceremony of 3,393 National Diploma and Higher National Diploma graduands of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Adebayo Lawal, noted that since the administration assumed office about six years ago, funding for education had ranged between 17 and 21 per cent of the state budget, adding that conscious steps had since been taken to strengthen the sector and deliver better results at all levels.
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He said, “When this administration came on board about six years ago, budgetary allocation to the education sector stood between 17 and 21 per cent. Today, deliberate efforts have been made to strengthen the sector and improve outcomes across all levels.
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“We are fully aware of the manpower challenges facing tertiary institutions, including The Polytechnic, Ibadan. That is why the government has continued to address staff shortages through regular recruitment and capacity-building initiatives to ensure effective teaching and learning.
“The state government is working hand in hand with the management of this institution to reposition it for global competitiveness. Our goal is to ensure that graduates of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge required to compete favourably anywhere in the world.
“The world will not wait for anyone. Therefore, our students must be prepared, innovative and forward-thinking to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global environment.”
Also speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, a recipient of the institution’s Fellowship Award, described education as the foundation for the nation’s overall development.
“Always strive wherever you find yourselves, whatever position that you occupy in life, to be good ambassadors of this great institution,” he said, while announcing a N5m donation for the best graduating students, alongside other prizes for outstanding graduates across various departments.
Earlier, the Acting Rector, Taiwo Lasisi, revealed that 1,514 National Diploma students and 2,879 Higher National Diploma students, drawn from five faculties each, were graduating, with the overall best student recording a CGPA of 3.87.
He added that all the graduands acquired at least one skill, ensuring that many would be able to establish themselves and become employers of labour even without government jobs.
Lasisi appealed to the Federal Government to convert all polytechnics into degree-awarding institutions with a focus on BTech programmes.
He said: “This would end the age-long disparity issue between Polytechnic and University graduates. A few years ago, China converted over 200 universities to polytechnics because the nation recognises the impact of polytechnics on its development.
“The United Kingdom, which colonised Nigeria and brought western education to us, has ended the disparity issue between polytechnic and university graduates by turning all its polytechnics into degree-awarding institutions. History will not forget those at the helm of affairs in Nigeria if such a plan is implemented.
“I, therefore, call on Governor Makinde to kickstart the process by turning polytechnics into degree-awarding institutions, starting with The Polytechnic, Ibadan.”
Meanwhile, the overall best graduating student, Basirat Yusuf, expressed gratitude to the institution’s management for providing an enabling environment that fosters excellence.