Odufuwa, Dada Champion Functional Education at LCP Convocation
The primary factor contributing to the socio-economic problem, specifically the issue of unemployment, in Nigeria can be attributed to the deviation of successive governments from their original objectives.
In addition, Mr. Babatunde Odufuwa, the chairman of the governing council of Lagos City Polytechnic (LCP), and Oluropo Dada, the keynote speaker at the 15th convocation of the polytechnic, expressed concern on the lack of regular evaluation of the education curriculum to align with contemporary trends.
Odufuwa emphasised the fundamental purpose of polytechnic education, which is to cultivate technical expertise and provide individuals with the essential skills required to become technicians, technologists, and other skilled professionals.
He expressed concern on a noticeable change in emphasis, as many establishments currently prioritise the development of individuals who are primarily suited for professional occupations in the white-collar sector.
He praised the Federal Government for establishing a conducive atmosphere for private institutions to flourish, but emphasised the importance of encouraging young people to adopt polytechnic education.
Odufuwa, the individual responsible for establishing Southwestern University, stated: “Presently, youths seeking admission into higher institutions prefer universities to polytechnics. The general belief is that it is those who do not meet entry requirements to universities that are admitted into polytechnics.”
He implored the three levels of government to augment subsidies to polytechnics universally, emphasising that adequately financed polytechnics would significantly alleviate the unemployment situation in the nation.
Dada’s keynote lecture urged for a thorough evaluation of the tertiary education sector, involving the development of a strategic plan and roadmap to rejuvenate it in accordance with international standards.
Additionally, he proposed the promotion of vocational training, the establishment of partnerships between industry stakeholders and tertiary institutions to facilitate students’ participation in in-company placements and internships, the allocation of resources towards the development of enterprise skills, and the expansion of the tertiary education curriculum to align with the demands of the labour market.
Dada additionally proposed the practice of hiring competent lecturers and instructors, halting the government’s approval of new tertiary institutions to facilitate the consolidation of existing ones, implementing public-private partnerships in tertiary institutions, and fostering a collective endeavour among all stakeholders to enhance awareness regarding the significance of technical skills and the wide range of opportunities offered through vocational training, among other measures.
Odufuwa, Dada Champion Functional Education at LCP Convocation