Proprietors of Private Polytechnics, under the aegis of the Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria, have called on the Federal Government to emulate countries like China that are converting universities to polytechnics.
President of the APPN, Benjamin Achiatar, who made this call in Abuja on Monday, said such was in line with the need for the nation’s institutions to produce the needed technical manpower to drive Nigeria’s industrialization.
“Government institutions and functionaries should make themselves available for dialogue with us for meaningful progress to produce needed technical manpower to drive Nigeria’s industrialization.
“I want to add that other countries like China are converting universities to polytechnics to fire their industries.
“If we do not pay attention to education in technology, we will continue to be importing products from other countries and paying them money, growing their economies,’’ Achiatar said.
In 2017, China converted an estimated 600 universities into polytechnics, after the country 2014 announced plans to convert some of its universities to polytechnics.
China had said the goal was to produce more graduates with technical skills and reduce unemployment.
Speaking, Achiatar argued that government supporting technical education will enable the nation to have more skilled manpower and enhance productivity.
“A skilled technical workforce attracts investment and supports industries that drive economic development.
“Not only does it drive industrialization, a nation’s technical capabilities can improve its standing in the global market,’’ he said.
Achiatar argued that technical education encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills which are important for innovation.
According to him, the growth of the private sector will lead to growth in the Gross Domestic Product.
“We pay taxes, hence we are seeking support in infrastructure deficits like power, whether solar, generators or transformers and also water supply through boreholes,’’ he said.
Achiatar appealed that the National Research Fund should also be open to all who have creative ideas and innovations, not just government institutions.
Also speaking, General Secretary of the APPN, Olusola Alalade, said that if Polytechnics can offer degree courses and award B.Tech (Hons), it would serve the system better.
“That means polytechnics can provide a workforce for the middle level, for industries, while a small percentage can also be involved in advanced academic activities like research among others,’’ he said.
Alalade, who is the Proprietor of Igbaja Polytechnic, said that research grants provided by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to universities should also be made available to private polytechnics.
He urged the FG to also extend the Nigeria Education Loan Fund loans to students in private institutions.
“The fund should cover both students in public and private institutions because we are all in the same market, and all are students of the government.
“Everybody should be given equal opportunity by allowing all students to be covered in the program,’’ he added.
