Hon. Diran Odeyemi, Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke (OSCOTECH), has advocated for adequate funding of technology institutions to empower them in training students on skill acquisition programs essential for national advancement.
Odeyemi emphasized that no nation has achieved development without prioritizing polytechnic and technological institutions. He asserted that greater attention should be directed towards polytechnic education in Nigeria, considering its pivotal role in equipping individuals with practical skills crucial for self-development and societal progress.
Highlighting the global shift towards technology-driven economies, Odeyemi stressed the imperative for Nigeria to embrace technology in its development agenda. He urged the government to promote and support polytechnic education as a catalyst for transforming the nation’s economic landscape.
According to Odeyemi, polytechnic education serves as the cornerstone for skill acquisition, which is indispensable for transitioning from a consumption-oriented economy to one focused on production and innovation.
OSCOTECH, under Odeyemi’s leadership, has been at the forefront of providing technical education, offering programs leading to Ordinary National Diplomas (OND) and Higher National Diplomas (HND) primarily in technological fields. He disclosed plans to introduce new departments such as Mass Communication to further diversify the institution’s offerings.
During his address, Odeyemi appealed to the institution’s alumni association to support financially disadvantaged students who aspire to pursue education but lack the means to do so independently. He expressed gratitude to individuals and stakeholders, including the institution’s Rector, Dr. S. A. O. Adegoke, for their unwavering support towards the advancement of education and the welfare of students at OSCOTECH.
Odeyemi’s call for prioritizing polytechnic and technical education underscores the critical role these institutions play in equipping Nigeria’s youth with the practical skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development agenda. It highlights the need for concerted efforts from both the government and stakeholders to ensure the sustained growth and relevance of polytechnic education in Nigeria’s quest for socio-economic advancement.
