The Acting Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), Dr Olorunwa Adegun, has appealed to government and education stakeholders to safeguard the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria, warning that neglecting it could hamper the nation’s technological advancement.
Speaking on Monday during a press briefing ahead of the institution’s forthcoming convocation ceremony, Adegun disclosed that polytechnics play a pivotal role in driving innovation and industrial development.
Adegun disclosed that the institution is preparing for a landmark combined convocation, where nearly 25,000 graduates from 12 academic sessions will be formally conferred with their certificates. The ceremony, he said, marks the end of an era of setbacks that had prevented convocations for over a decade.
According to him, financial crises, industrial disputes, and loss of accreditation for several programmes had crippled the institution, making it impossible to celebrate graduates as expected.
The rector praised Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his intervention in reviving the polytechnic, while stating that the governor approved funds to clear outstanding salary arrears, increased monthly subventions, and restored confidence among staff and students.
Adegun added that the governor also gave the green light for the long-overdue convocation, which will cover a backlog of graduates stretching over 12 academic years.
"The same law that establishes the polytechnic system defines polytechnic education.
"The problem lies in harmonising both. For example, in 2020, about 60 universities in China were converted to polytechnics, and that’s why the world now looks to China for technological models and production.
"Until we realise that technical and polytechnic education drives technology, we won’t move out of our current stagnation.
"We must use our hands and brains to develop and manufacture what can move us forward. If we continue to rely on paperwork and theory alone, we won’t advance.
"It’s a question of law and political will, and that’s what I urge our Minister of Education to address.
"In this combined convocation, we are expecting close to 25,000 graduates. We are talking about 12 years, so if you break it down to an average of 5 years, you’ll understand what that means.
"Convocation is supposed to be a yearly event. It is the climax of study that begins when students gains admission through JAMB and completes their programme.
"It is a transition into reality and into the world’s labour market. It also boosts your morale as you are being celebrated, and among your peers, it adds a feather to your cap.
"For the institution, too, it is one of the ways of rating performance. Institutions are rated year in and year out, and if an institution is not holding convocations, it counts as a minus.
"So, by the grace of God, this convocation is going to be a continuous exercise going forth," he said.
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