The Rector, Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa, Dr Abiodun Oluseye, has emphasised skill acquisition and practical orientation as necessary tools needed by students to be globally competitive and relevant in the job market.

Oluseye, in an interview with The Guardian, said it is imperative to equip students with skills necessary to thrive in the modern world.

He said a conducive learning environment is necessary to attract cutting-edge programmes, while improved staff welfare is necessary to get the desired results.

The rector said his vision is to transform the institution into a top centre of learning and a global powerhouse of academic excellence.

With over 25 years in the polytechnic sub-sector, Oluseye highlighted the crucial role of development in achieving his vision.

He also stressed the importance of addressing societal challenges through research and providing students with a comprehensive education that includes well-equipped laboratories, qualified lecturers, and exposure to the industrial market.

Drawing on his extensive experience in federal institutions, he expressed a desire to give back to his immediate environment, outlining plans to develop physical infrastructure, promote inclusive structures, and enhance the academic environment.

“There are so many challenges confronting the society, research should be directed at solving some of these problems. This is the essence of polytechnic education, to solve immediate challenges and problems,” Oluseye said.

Aside from the physical infrastructure, the rector said students would benefit from staff training. “When you have qualified lecturers with adequately equipped laboratories, the students gain. We want to expose our students to the industrial market here, because this is the industrial hub of Nigeria, the major industrial hub. The food trade zone here has more than 200 companies, and this is the only institution around. So, we have to tap into it and we are already doing that.

Oluseye also expressed concerns on employment disparities in the sub-sector, and recalled how he moved to change the system.

“I have been in the sector for so many years. I know the problems and I know what to do to address some of these challenges. So, when I came on board, I discovered that some HND graduates with distinction were employed as instructors and I felt it was part of the discrimination that we are talking about, and we should not be discriminating against our products.

“So, I discussed with the governing council and proposed that they should be changed to lecturer cadre, which is where their university counterparts started from. All those employed before I came on board were also changed to assistant lecturers.

While lamenting over the financial burden of running technical institutions, the rector said the school is collaborating with private organisations for support.

While emphasising the need to equip students with skills necessary to thrive in the modern world, Oluseye said OGITECH is focused on practical skills and technology, including Artificial Intelligence, to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the evolving job market.

He also announced plans to introduce new programmes in areas like Music Technology, Art and Design, and Agricultural Engineering.