The peace of mind by the Nationwide Board for Technical Training (NBTE) that the Federal Authorities wouldn’t enable polytechnics to derail from fulfilling their mandates as expertise, analysis and progressive platforms for Nigerian consultants may be very important. That is towards the evolution of polytechnics as a predominant provider of middle-level, expert, technical experience essential to drive a holistic progress of the Nigerian economic system.
Whereas there is no such thing as a doubt that the establishment has succeeded largely in assembly that mandate, it’s worrisome that governments have carried out little to advertise and advance the reason for polytechnics over time. Fairly, the nation has witnessed controversial debates concerning the worth of polytechnics in comparison with universities. To crown all of it, polytechnics are transitioning to universities each in nomenclature and the award of levels slightly than diplomas. The NBTE’s Government Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, gave the peace of mind throughout a facility tour of a personal tertiary establishment, Montgomery Polytechnic, for the accreditation course of earlier than the graduation of operations in 2025. The board’s delegation, led by the Director of New Establishments, Hadji Bilikisu Daku, was on the everlasting web site of the brand new polytechnic to examine services for correct accreditation of some programs earlier than the graduation of educational actions. Bugaje, represented by an company official, Rasak Shoremekun, mentioned the standard assurance of Nigerian polytechnic training will increase its stature for international reckoning. Describing polytechnic training as an important device for financial growth, Bugaje suggested the establishment to position a excessive premium on analysis and talent acquisition, reminding that no nation can develop or make headway in innovation with out ample analysis and exploration. He mentioned: “The Federal Authorities, below President Bola Tinubu and Federal Ministry of Training, will proceed to make sure that polytechnics don’t derail of their process of manufacturing expert and progressive graduates, who’re additionally research-driven. The company affirmed its readiness to make sure that polytechnics churn out high quality graduates with related expertise, analysis orientation and progressive considering that may reset the nation on the trail of progress and growth. The evolution of polytechnics in Nigeria has been a double-edged sword, promising superior instructional alternatives whereas concurrently threatening the very essence of their foundational mission. As these establishments more and more transition into degree-awarding entities or merge with universities, the query arises: Are Nigerians sacrificing technical and vocational coaching for educational status? Traditionally, polytechnics have been pivotal in addressing the abilities hole inside Nigeria’s workforce. Their major purpose has all the time been to supply extremely expert technicians to fulfill varied industries’ calls for. Nevertheless, the current development of polytechnics reworking into universities raises important considerations about their skill to fulfil this core mandate. Whereas this shift could seem helpful, it dangers diluting the give attention to sensible expertise and vocational coaching important for nationwide growth.
Specialists emphasise that sustaining a transparent distinction between polytechnic training and college training is significant to upholding the integrity of technical coaching. So, it’s heartwarming that the Federal Authorities of Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to making sure that polytechnics don’t stray from their unique objective. The Nationwide Board for Technical Training (NBTE) lately articulated this dedication, highlighting that polytechnic training catalyses financial progress via innovation and analysis. To additional perceive why polytechnics mustn’t derail from core mandates, it must be recognised that polytechnics had been established to supply middle-level manpower targeted on technical expertise and vocational coaching. Not like conventional universities prioritising theoretical data, polytechnics are designed to domesticate hands-on expertise and technical proficiency via programmes just like the Bizarre Nationwide Diploma (OND). This area of interest and distinctive focus is essential for producing graduates who can thrive in a aggressive job market. So, as Nigeria aspires to realize technological breakthroughs and nurture innovators akin to international tech giants like Steve Jobs, Invoice Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg, the nation should stay strategically targeted. This implies guaranteeing that polytechnics keep true to their core mandates slightly than changing into diploma factories. Once more, it is very important recognise that regardless of their crucial function, Nigerian polytechnics face quite a few challenges that hinder their effectiveness in producing expert graduates. Insights from varied studies point out that many establishments grapple with outdated curricula, insufficient services and inadequate funding. Moreover, with over 424 polytechnics in Nigeria, many have but to adapt to the quickly evolving technological panorama. These components collectively impede high quality training. So, whereas the Federal Authorities’s dedication to preserving polytechnics’ core mandates is commendable, it necessitates concerted efforts from all stakeholders concerned. Strategic reforms are important for Nigerian polytechnics to keep up their foundational objective and function engines of financial progress.
Therefore, Nigeria should tackle these challenges. As such, the NBTE should undertake a multifaceted method focusing on systemic points and operational methods. This could embrace coverage reforms prioritising funding for technical training, enhancing analysis initiatives inside polytechnics and fostering trade partnerships. Moreover, upgrading services and gear is important for sensible coaching, whereas enhanced certification processes will guarantee international recognition of {qualifications}. As well as, it is very important collaborate with industries in curriculum design to align instructional outcomes with market wants, which can finally enhance graduate employability. Subsequently, to beginning ‘renewed hope’ of attaining technological breakthroughs and producing innovators and know-how giants, Nigeria ought to stay targeted on the problem of elevating progressive and artistic residents that world flip round varied sectors and be sure that polytechnics don’t derail from their core mandates.
All mentioned, for Nigeria to grasp its imaginative and prescient of changing into a hub for technological innovation and produce a brand new era of artistic thinkers, the authorities should prioritise the distinctive function of polytechnics within the nation’s instructional panorama. The NBTE ought to stay vigilant in its oversight features, guaranteeing rigorous requirements and high quality assurance in polytechnic training to protect this distinctive function. Let college students, educators and policymakers rally collectively to safeguard the integrity of polytechnic establishments and empower them to fulfil their very important function in shaping Nigeria’s future. Collectively, Nigerians can domesticate a era of expert professionals able to drive our economic system ahead!
