Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, underscored the imperative for substantial support for technical and technological education provided by polytechnics in Nigeria. This support is crucial for enhancing research endeavors and infrastructural development.
During a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, which formed part of their oversight visit to the college, Dr. Abdul commended the government's establishment of a dedicated committee focused on polytechnics and higher technical education. He expressed his belief that this initiative would make a significant contribution to fostering technological advancements within the polytechnic sector.
Abdul highlighted that, despite the sector's importance, it remains undervalued and marginalized. He pointed out that the difficulties faced by Higher National Diploma (HND) holders reflect broader issues within the sub-sector, including funding challenges, the dichotomy in qualifications, and the necessity to confer Bachelor of Technology degrees. He urged the committee to assist in finding sustainable solutions to these pressing issues.
In his keynote address, committee chairman Wahab Laguda stated that the purpose of the visit was to discuss improvements for the sub-sector and address issues of marginalization. Laguda acknowledged the various challenges confronting the polytechnic community, ranging from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) allocation to security concerns that impact student enrollment.
The committee advised the college's administration to work with them to ensure an accurate portrayal of the situation. They further suggested that the administration upgrade the institution's workshops and laboratories to function as industrial training facilities for graduating students, guaranteeing that discrimination does not impede the system's efficient operation.