Technological education without know-how on self-employability worths nothing – Ilaro Poly Rector

Technological education

Polytechnic education is unique and stands apart from all other forms of education, simply because it emphasizes more on skill acquisition, innovation and self-employment. Technological education, without the know-how on self-employability, does not worth a pinch of salt.

This was the position of the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, Dr Olusegun Olanrewaju Aluko, during the 25th matriculation ceremony for the 2020/21 academic session held at the school premises. The physic-virtual ceremony held in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols witnessed the matriculation of 2,413 students for the National Diploma (ND) Full-Time, and 2, 141 for the Higher National Diploma (HND).

“Let me use this opportunity to make you understand that for the 2020/2021 admission exercise, a total of 8,385 candidates sought admission into this ivory tower through JAMB (Joint Admission and Matriculation Board) for National Diploma (ND) Full-Time out of which only 2,413 students were granted admission which represents a paltry 29 percentage. Likewise, a total number of 2,627 applications were received, out of which 2,141 applicants were offered admission at the Higher National Diploma (HND) level.

“So, I want to advise that you should reciprocate this gesture by showing greater commitment to that purpose for which you were admitted.

“It is expedient for you to understand that at The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, we have a culture of excellence in birthing landmark innovations. We are also effective and efficient in service delivery through the cooperation of both teaching and non-teaching staff members of the institution,” Aluko told the students.

Speaking further, he said the school has, for long, keyed into the Federal Government’s drive and passion to eradicate poverty and unemployment. He said Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro has operated a virile and resourceful Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC), where students acquire skills in small business management in various trades such as bottle water production, beads and wire works, venue decoration, cell phone repairs, shoemaking, fashion designing, barbing and hairdressing, soap making, block moulding and interlocking stones, websites design, computer repairs, aluminium works, catering services, bag making, etc.

“It is compulsory for every student to pass through this centre. You are therefore strongly advised to choose one of the vocational skills that are available.

“We have heard so many encouraging and heartwarming reports from our former students who are self-employed and are doing so well, locally and internationally, by the skills acquired at the Entrepreneurship Development Centre. Being admitted here is therefore a very unique opportunity to earn two certificates having paid for one.

“Most elating is the fact that the polytechnic can boast of being the first and only polytechnic in Nigeria to have a driving school, certified and approved by the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Vehicle Inspectorate Office.

“The institution aimed at ensuring that students, especially in Marketing and Mechanical Engineering departments, who, by their disciplines are expected to know how to drive, will not only be trained on how to drive, they will equally be encouraged to apply for a driving license through the appropriate bodies,” he stated.

Speaking on maintaining discipline within the school premises, the Rector said the school is known for its culture of excellence and discipline. “We, therefore, have zero tolerance for indiscipline. According to the rules and regulations of our institution, the following are some of the acts of indiscipline we frown at: littering of the campus; walking on the lawns; writing graffiti on walkways and defacing the walls and indiscriminate posting of posters.

“Others include Improper care for the polytechnic’s properties; cheating during examinations; stealing, drug abuse, sexual immorality and disobeying lawful instructions; cultism, skating and other outlandish behaviours; Indecent dressing such as sagging, revealing clothes, coloured hair, body hugs, face cap, or T-shirt with wield inscriptions etc, and driving any of the institution’s vehicles without permission.”

He said all the vices listed above are regarded as gross indiscipline and are viewed with all seriousness. “Please note that being undisciplined is not in our character as an institution,” he insisted.

ALSO READ: https://rulersworld.com/our-conversion-to-university-a-product-of-years-of-planning-%e2%80%95-rector-federal-polytechnic-ilaro/