By Taofeek Ahmed

The need to improve and work towards the sustenance of Polytechnic education has again been brought to the fore, as it remains an integral part of skill acquisition and vocational training.

Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Prof. Joseph Odemuyiwa, who made the submission during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between the Federal Polytechnic and Wessey Tailoring and Vocational Institute both in Ilaro said the move was in line with the vision of the Prince Dapo Abiodun- led administration for the sector, by providing education beyond literacy and numeracy.

Odemuyiwa disclosed that the signing of the MoU was a good omen for the State as the world is now tilting towards skill-based education, stating that the upgrading of some polytechnics to universities in the country, might defeat the purpose why they were set up.

The Special Adviser maintained that the State is working towards ensuring the award of Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, to further guarantee the development of skilled manpower with the view to making them self-reliant.

Prof. Odemuyiwa congratulated the Polytechnic and the Institute for the feat, saying it would assist the government in solving unemployment, reduce over-dependence on white-collar jobs and transform society by putting wealth in the palms of the people. He urged all parties to vigorously pursue the vision, as it would in no distant time, produce the much-needed artisans for societal growth and economic development.

On his part, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, appreciated the parties for the vision, saying the initiative would enable youths to be meaningfully engaged and productive, just as it would engender development in the area.

In their separate remarks during the signing, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Olusegun Aluko and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, Otunba Wasiu Taiwo respectively, posited that the move was to respond to the global market needs with high-level professionalism, reduce unemployment and enhance the delivery of quality technical education among the youth.