By Idowu Bankole
House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has identified challenges hindering the quality performance of Polytechnics in Nigeria and has vowed to ensure needed support in getting solutions that would reposition these institutions of learning
The Committee identified these challenges during its oversight functions on Federal Polytechnics in the South West geopolitical zone of the country.
In a statement E-signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Polytechnic Education, Rt. Hon Fuad Laguda representing Surulere Constituency 1, disclosed that during the oversight function, interaction with the leadership of the various institutions revealed numerous challenges bedevilling Federal Polytechnics in the Southwest region and the Reps committee would ensure needed support is given in getting the right solutions to these challenges faced by these institutions of learning.
“In continuation of our resolution for the standardisation of Federal Polytechnic institutions in Nigeria, the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education carried out its oversight function on Federal Polytechnics in the South West geopolitical zone of the country,” Laguda noted.
“Federal Polytechnics in the region are Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, headed by Dr. Ibrahim Abdul; Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun led by Dr. Mukail A. Ayinde; and Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo has Dr. Taofeeq Abdulhameed as Rector.”
“Also, Dr Temitope Alake-led Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti; Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun headed by Dr. Sani Man Yahaya; and Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo, led by Dr. Ademola Iyanda Ebeloku.”
“The function, yet again, availed us the opportunity to reaffirm the House of Representatives’ dedication to ensure an improved educational system for Nigerians, particularly via the Polytechnics.
Laguda pointed out that “during the interaction with the leadership of the various institutions, the challenges hindering the quality performance of the institutions have been identified and in the House’s capacity, we would support in getting the needed solutions.”
“Develop your laboratories and workshop. Do not allow the discrimination to affect your running system,”
YabaTech Rector Urges Govt Support For Polytechnic Education
The Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, while addressing the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education while on an oversight function to the college, called for adequate support for Technical and Technological Education championed by polytechnics in Nigeria to boost research and infrastructural development.
The Rector, commended the government for setting up a separate committee to look into polytechnics and higher technical education in the country; which he believes will focus on technological development in the polytechnic system.
“Because at the heart of technological development in every country we have this critical sector”; the rector stressed
Dr. Ibraheem revealed that, despite the critical status of the sector, “it is being underrated and marginalized and treated with disdain”.
The Rector advanced that the challenges facing HND holders is a reflection of what is happening to the polytechnics and higher technical education in this country.
He hammered on the issue of funding, dichotomy, need to award Bachelor of Technology amongst others threatening the development of polytechnic education.
He prayed the Committee to help the polytechnics proffer lasting solutions to all the challenges facing polytechnic in the sector of the country educational system.