In an act to foster development in the educational sector, Mr Babatunde Odufuwa, the Chairman, Governing Council, Lagos City Polytechnic, has revealed the reason for introducing polytechnic into the country which has been abandoned by the successive government.

Odufuwa mentioned the cause of  socio-economic crisis, particularly unemployment, being experienced in Nigeria, at the 15th Convocation of the Polytechnic.

He said, the education curriculum is not constantly reviewed to reflect trends.

Odufuwa stressed why polytechnic education was introduced into Nigeria, saying, “Polytechnic education was essentially introduced into the country to produce technical manpower, provide technical knowledge and skills to give training and impart necessary skills for the production of technicians, technologists, and other skilled personnel. They, in turn, shall be enterprising and self-reliant to train people, who can apply scientific knowledge to solve environmental problems for the convenience of man and to give exposure to professional development in the technologies.”constantly reviewed to reflect trends.

He also said that there had been an “obvious shift in focus,” lamenting that leaders still concentrated attention on raising men and women, who would only be fitted for white-collar jobs.

He urged the government to ensure that youths embraced polytechnic education, also he commended the Federal Government for creating the enabling environment for private institutions.

Mr Oluropo Dada, the keynote speaker, urged for a comprehensive review of the tertiary education sector “to draw up a strategic plan and roadmap to revitalise it in line with global best practices.”

He also recommended encouragement of vocational or apprenticeship training; the collaboration between industry players and tertiary institutions is to enable students to undertake in-company placements internships; investment in enterprise skills development; and diversification of tertiary education curriculum to meet the needs of labour market.

“Industry demands and standards should inform curriculum development,” he said.

At the event, 261 graduant were conferred with National Diploma; while 215 graduant were conferred with Higher National Diploma, totaling 476 graduates.

The convocation was attended by principal officers, among whom were the Acting Rector, Mr A.J. Obadipe; Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr O.O. Isibor; Acting Registrar, Mrs Christiana John; and Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs I.A. Odufuwa.