Adamu challenges tertiary institutions to address structural imbalances in economy

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, has challenged tertiary institutions in the country to aggressively address the structural imbalances inherent in the country’s economy.

He also challenged them to concentrate on developing Nigeria’s human capital, by engaging “local strengths and resources to turn the economy around.”

Speaking at the 16th convocation of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, he said, “Our students should be taught to utilise the resources and opportunities in our environment to create wealth.”

He, therefore, urged students and staff of tertiary institutions to continue to identify the challenges facing the country and design solutions to address them.

Adamu who was represented by Dr. Joel Ojo said, “Our institutions must address the structural imbalance in our economy and concentrate on development human capital and engaging local strengths and resources to turn the economy around.”

“The polytechnic sector has an important role to play generally in manpower development and in the adaptation of innovations and research findings relevant to the needs of the society,” he said.

According to him, “The Federal Ministry of Education is committed more than ever before, to ensure that Technical, Vocational and Education and Training (TVET) is accorded its rightful place in the educational development of the country.”

“The Federal government wishes to reiterate that the level of skills possessed and the ability to apply the skills in the real world of work makes individuals outstanding and puts them on the path of success in life.”

A total of 14, 248 graduands from 2010/2011 to 2015/2016 academic sessions graduated from the institution in both the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) courses.

The overall best graduating student in the 2015/2016 academic session was Joseph David Omeisa.Speaking on some of the achievements of the institution its rector, Mr. Olusegun Aluko, said the institution, in line with the efforts of the Federal Government to diversify the economy cultivated 65 hectares of oil palm plantation to generate more funds. The school is also in the process of planting cassava on 165 hectares of land.

He added that the institution has partnered with the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), to develop a curriculum in cement technology and also familiarise the students with the manufacturing industry.