The Founder and Proprietor, Timeon Kairos Group of Schools, Dr. Titus Oyeyemi, has called on the Federal Government to invest more in polytechnic education, saying technical and vocational education remain a critical tool for addressing youth unemployment.

Oyeyemi gave the call at the school’s eighth Open House and fourth Matriculation/third Convocation ceremonies in Lagos.

At the event, the school matriculated 47 new National Diploma students and 14 Higher National Diploma (HND) students while the institution also graduated 22 National Diploma (ND) across various disciplines, including Accountancy, Computer Science and Mass Communication.

According to him, the institution was established as a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative to equip young people with practical skills that would make them employable and self-reliant.

He explained that the Federal Government had expressed satisfaction with the institution’s facilities and programmes, including its workshops, radio and television stations, as well as a mechanical workshop established to enhance practical learning.

“Our desire is to give students skills on one hand and equip them with academic excellence on the other,” he added.

Oyeyemi urged the graduating students to be worthy ambassadors of the institution wherever they find themselves, while advising the newly matriculated students to remain focused and strive to complete their Higher National Diploma programmes after their ND studies.

He, however, faulted the perceived dichotomy between university and HND degree holders, describing it as a misconception driven by ignorance.

According to him, both qualifications are meant to complement each other and serve different levels of the nation’s workforce.

At the event was the South-West Administrative Officer of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Gbenga Abejide, who represented the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, and the Zonal Director, South-West Region, Mr. Ayo Aroge.

In his remarks, Abejide commended Oyeyemi’s passion for technical education, noting that the proprietor had remained committed to the development of technical and vocational education and training.

He added that the institution had consistently complied with regulatory requirements and accreditation processes of the board.

“All their programmes are accredited and approved by the board. Timeon Kairos is one of the private polytechnics in Nigeria that is always prompt during board resource and accreditation exercises,” he said.

Abejide also lauded the institution’s learning environment and facilities, describing them as conducive and well maintained.

He further commended the Federal Government’s effort at bridging the gap between HND and university degree holders by placing both on the same salary structure in the public service.