President Bola Tinubu has restated federal government’s commitment to developing science and technology base of the nation to ensure its relevance in global landscape.
Tinubu who stated this on Friday at the 19th Convocation Ceremony of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State described technical education as critical to driving national development, particularly for a country striving for economic growth and global competitiveness.
Represented by Director of Polytechnic Education and Allied Institutions in the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Ejeh Usman, the president said his administration had recorded giant strides in funding of education and would not relent in such feat.
He urged the Polytechnic and other technical institutions not to backtrack in producing skilled and entrepreneurial graduates capable of carving out a niche for themselves and be relevant to the growth of national economy.
He said, “As a nation we must ensure our relevance in the global landscape and set the stage for long term progress and prosperity. We cannot afford to lag behind in the global technological development.
“As a government, we are aware of the role and impact of quality education with respect to science and technological development. It can never be overstated that education is the key to this. This informed government’s unwavering commitment to the educational growth of our nation.
“There are several grants and intervention schemes which educational institutions are beneficiaries of in order to train and develop manpower, promote research and aid teaching and learning.”
The President further enumerated several projects the Polytechnic had benefitted through TETFUND interventions, including sponsorship of staff of the institution in both local and foreign Institutions for their post-graduate programmes and attendance of workshops and conferences.
“Government, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda has, through the present Management provided the following infrastructural developments projects; Multipurpose Hall, ICT, School of Renewable Energy, Agricultural Technology Engineering, Chemical Engineering laboratory and Deans Complex.
“Other projects include Food Technology Laboratory, the Male and Female hostels, the School of Environmental Design and Technology, School of General Studies , Public Administration and the School of Arts, Design and Printing Technology Buildings.
Acknowledging numerous challenges still facing education sector including funding, access and equity, capacity building for teachers, strengthening of institutional management, technical and vocational education, among others, Tinubu hinted his government plans to develop a 4-Year Strategic Plan as a Road map for the Sector.
“It is our believe that the final Roadmap will translate to the education we all dream of. However, let me make it clear that it takes more than the Government of any nation to provide solutions to all the challenges, especially in the area of funding.
“I therefore enjoin all Stakeholders especially captains of industry to complement the efforts of Government in the area of research, structural development, award of scholarships especially to indigent students, capacity building and employment of our graduates,” he added.
Earlier, Rector of the institution, Engr Dr Francisca Nwafulugo said the convocation covered the period from 2010/2011- 2020/2021 graduating session.
She appreciated the staff for their commitment and diligence in imparting knowledge, guidance and mentorship in molding and shaping the minds of the graduates, just as he commended the graduates for adhering to rules and regulations during their stay in school.
“In the hallowed halls of Federal Polytechnic Oko, our graduates have not merely acquired knowledge, they have imbibed the spirit of innovation, resilience and a thirst for continuous learning.
“The institution has been a nurturing ground for fostering not only academic excellence but also the development of well rounded individuals equipped to face the challenges of the dynamic world beyond these polytechnic walls.
“The education imparted at Federal Polytechnic Oko extends far beyond textbooks and classrooms. It is an education that instills values, encourages critical thinking and nurtures the spirit of community service,” she said.
