The Rector of Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH) in Igbesa, Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, has said that the federal government’s initiative to upgrade some polytechnics into full-fledged universities may spell doom for technical education in the country.
Oluseye, who was speaking ahead of the institution’s 6th combined convocation ceremony, disclosed that the government should, as a matter of urgency, adopt more workable policies for polytechnics to operate on a larger scale.
He stated that rather than upgrading them to university status, polytechnics should be given opportunities to award Master’s and PhD degrees, as is the practice in developed countries.
“Our polytechnics should not be upgraded to universities. If we are going to upgrade anything, we should upgrade the quality of courses and allow polytechnics to award Master’s and PhDs.”
While speaking on the institution’s giant strides under his leadership in less than two years, the rector explained that in two days, the institution will showcase some of its innovations and breakthroughs undertaken by students. He noted that among these innovations is the electric car that the Engineering Department has been able to produce, as well as a drone assembled by the polytechnic.
He pointed out that a total of 9,320 students will be graduating from the school, with 178 obtaining distinctions, while 2,138 have upper credits.
He added that on assumption of office, the institution was offering 36 programmes, and with his leadership, ten additional courses have been added with full accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education.
“Part of the success of the administration is the fact that the number of PhD holders has also increased from about 3 to 14.
“The Institute has entered into beneficial working relationships with some of the companies which are its neighbours. This has resulted in great industrial collaborations and partnerships, which now help the career and industrial prospects of the Institute’s graduates.”
He further said that in December 2024, two of its students were sponsored on a training course to Switzerland by a leading company in the Igbesa area of Ogun State.
“Commencement of the Open Distance, Flexible and e-Learning (ODFeL) Programme and the provision of solar power to augment public power supply and enhance continuous research and experiments at the Schools of Communication and Information Technology, Engineering Technology, Science Laboratory Technology, and Business and Financial Management Studies.
“Revitalization, equipping, and upgrading the status of the Institute’s Health Centre for better efficiency with prompt response and qualitative service delivery by employing a qualified doctor and full-time nurses are part of the developments, among other things,” he said.
