The 12th Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, (UniLag) Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has called on Nigerian governments to fund education and research very well, saying countries doing well in the world are the ones funding education and research handsomely.
Ogundipe, who made the call at the 39th Convocation Lecture of The Polytechnic, Ibadan (TPI), also called for the repositioning of the Nigerian polytechnic system to champion technological innovation for national development and economic growth.
”Governments must fund education and research very well. Any country doing well funds education and research very well,” he said.
He stated that though Nigeria’s polytechnics were modeled to provide middle-level technical manpower, “it doesn’t make graduates of the institutions less nor inferior to national economy and development.”
Ogundipe said the purpose of the polytechnics training programmes has been to provide hand-on technical resources for the small and medium scale enterprises (SMSEs) which could bring about improvement in the nation’s fortune.
“It is on this note that I would like to emphasise the importance of the polytechnic programmes as the best fit for the improvement of the nation’s economy.
“Things have been out of sync for a long time due to lack of giving important attention to the crucial roles of polytechnic educational programmes to support the small and medium scale industries.
“And without the prosperity of the SMSEs in Nigeria’s economy ecosystem, the nation may find it very difficult to enjoy economic prosperity built on non-oil trades,” he said.
According to him, invariably it means that the polytechnic training is expected to serve as the backbone of the Nigerian economy.
The don said Nigeria has a lot to gain from encouraging the polytechnics.
He said this was because it has very high potential to reduce unemployment through acquisition of hands-on training by the students in various national areas of urgent needs.
“This means the students can earn a living for themselves while still in school.
“Thus, the polytechnic training guarantees not only access to certificates but also makes the students financially independent through the cultivation of the culture of learning and practising the theories in the marketplace.
“Ultimately, repositioning the Nigerian polytechnics system to be at the forefront of technological innovation is crucial for national development and economic growth in the 21st century,” Ogundipe said.
He called for the modernization of curricula, improvement of infrastructure, fostering industry partnerships, and investing in faculty development.
Ogundipe, the Pro-Chancellor, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State said Nigerian polytechnics can become key drivers of technological advancement and economic diversification.
“This would not only enhance the employability of graduates but also contribute to Nigeria’s broader goals of reducing unemployment, improving productivity, and building a knowledge-driven economy,” he said.
The Pro-Chancellor said the successful repositioning of polytechnics will require a concerted effort from the government, industry, and educational institutions.
Ogundipe stated that with the right policies, investment, and commitment, Nigerian polytechnics can play a central role in equipping the country’s youth.
He said by equipping graduates with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy, they can contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development in the 21st century.
He emphasised funding of education by the government and partnership with the industry.
“Tell me a country that is doing well and I will point at a country funding education,” Ogundipe said.
The don charged polytechnics to evolve to meet the demands of the present time through an innovative approach to learning and involvement in applied and demand-driven research.
The Acting Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, lauded the former VC for the profound lecture.
