Grant degree-awarding status to polytechnics, alumni association urges Tinubu

The National President of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti Alumni Association, Dr Oyedokun Abiodun, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to upgrade polytechnics in the country to degree-awarding institutions.

Abiodun also called for greater attention and improved funding for polytechnic education, to enable the institutions to fully achieve their mission and contribute more to national development.

The alumni president made the call in Ado Ekiti on Sunday at an event organised to honour the former rector of the institution, Dr Theresa Akande. At the event, the association also presented the communiqué of its inaugural Annual General Meeting, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The AGM, hosted by the Rivers State chapter led by Major Ken Ukwu (retd), also marked the chapter’s 10th anniversary. The theme was “Alumni Contribution to the Nation’s Development as It Strengthens Our National Unity.”

The association honoured Dr Akande for her significant contributions during her tenure as rector, which saw substantial growth and transformation at the institution. The alumni presented a cheque of one million naira to the former rector as a token of appreciation for her positive impact on the school, staff, and students.

Dr Abiodun remarked, “She (Akande) believed in us, the products of this great institution. Her unwavering faith in our abilities led to the employment of many alumni, providing us with opportunities to contribute to the growth of our alma mater.”

In her response, Dr Akande expressed her gratitude, saying, “To say it was a surprise that completely blindsided my children and me is putting it mildly. By these beautiful, selfless gestures of kindness, empathy, and consideration, you have all sown very significant seeds, the fruits of which you will continue to reap throughout your lives, and which your children and generations yet unborn will also benefit from in the mercy and goodness of the Most High.”

In the AGM communiqué, the alumni association stated, “We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to address issues relating to polytechnic education in Nigeria. We urge the president to upgrade polytechnics to degree-awarding institutions.”

The alumni also called on the president to eliminate the dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and university degree holders and reiterated their call for the establishment of a National Polytechnic Commission, similar to the separate commissions for universities and colleges of education.

The association further advocated for the appointment of individuals with polytechnic education to committees and panels responsible for formulating policies on polytechnic education in Nigeria.

The institution’s rector, Dr Temitope Alake, who is also an alumnus, delivered the AGM keynote lecture, emphasising the pivotal role of alumni in driving national development, fostering economic stability, and strengthening national unity amidst diversity.

Alake encouraged collaborative efforts among alumni to address challenges such as leadership, economic instability, and national disunity while listing critical contributions such as mentoring, advocacy, resource mobilisation, and serving as models for future generations.