The Rector of Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa, Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, has raised concerns over the federal government’s decision to convert some polytechnics into full-fledged universities, warning that the move could be detrimental to technical education in Nigeria.
Speaking ahead of the institution’s 6th combined convocation ceremony, Dr. Oluseye emphasized the need for more pragmatic policies that would allow polytechnics to operate on a larger scale without compromising their core mandate of technical and vocational education.
A Call for Strengthening Polytechnic Education
Rather than upgrading polytechnics to universities, Dr. Oluseye proposed that they be empowered to award Master’s and PhD degrees, similar to practices in developed nations.
“Our polytechnics should not be upgraded to universities. If we are going to upgrade anything, we should upgrade the quality of courses and allow polytechnics to award Master’s and PhDs,” he asserted.
OGITECH’s Breakthroughs and Academic Milestones
Highlighting the institution’s achievements under his leadership in less than two years, Dr. Oluseye revealed that OGITECH has made remarkable strides in technological innovation. Among the institution’s recent accomplishments are the successful production of an electric car by the Engineering Department and the assembly of a drone by students.
As part of the convocation, a total of 9,320 students will graduate, including 178 with distinctions and 2,138 earning upper credits.
Upon assuming office, OGITECH offered 36 academic programs, but with his leadership, the institution has expanded to 46 programs, all fully accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). He also noted a significant increase in PhD-holding faculty members from three to 14.
Industry Partnerships and Global Opportunities
The rector emphasized OGITECH’s growing collaborations with leading industries, which have enhanced career prospects for its graduates. In December 2024, two outstanding students were sponsored for a specialized training program in Switzerland by a leading company in the Igbesa industrial area.
Additional advancements at the institution include:
Launch of the Open Distance, Flexible, and e-Learning (ODFeL) Program to increase access to education.
Installation of solar power solutions to support uninterrupted research and experiments in engineering, science, and business studies.
Revitalization of the Institute’s Health Centre, with a fully equipped facility, a resident doctor, and full-time nurses to improve healthcare delivery on campus.
The Way Forward
Dr. Oluseye urged the federal government to reconsider its policy direction, stressing that technical education is the backbone of industrial and technological development. He reiterated that strengthening polytechnics, rather than converting them into universities, would better serve Nigeria’s economic growth and workforce development.
“Our focus should be on enhancing technical education, fostering innovation, and equipping students with hands-on skills that will drive national development,” he concluded.
