Adeoye Odedeji, the rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta, has emphasised the importance of skills acquisition in driving Nigeria’s economy forward.
He made this statement during the recent matriculation ceremony for the 2022/2023 academic session, which took place at the institution’s premises in Abeokuta.
Addressing the new intake of 3,600 students, the rector urged them to make the most of the skills acquisition programme offered by the institution.
He emphasised that acquiring practical skills would empower them to be self-reliant upon completion of their programmes.
Odedeji highlighted the support that MAPOLY has received from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). He revealed that TETFund had allocated N130 million to the institution for the purpose of training and empowering students in skills acquisition.
The rector stressed the unique nature of polytechnic education, noting that the institution’s primary responsibility is to instill practical skills in students rather than just theoretical knowledge and understanding.
He mentioned that “MAPOLY already has a dedicated skills acquisition center sponsored by TETFund, which has been completed and established.”
Odedeji explained that the funds provided by TETFund were specifically intended to procure tools and resources that would enable the institution to fulfill its mandate effectively.
He further mentioned that “the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) had approved the structural framework for implementing this mandate.”
According to the Rector, the acquisition of practical skills is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth.
He emphasized that individuals who possess relevant skills will not only be valuable to themselves but also contribute significantly to the nation.
He stated that relying solely on job searches after graduation, without practical skills, will not foster economic development.
“In order to cultivate a thriving economy, individuals must acquire pertinent skills that will enable them to be self-sufficient and make meaningful contributions to the nation,” Odedeji said.
