Education
Why we attach importance to skill acquisition for our students – Pioneer Rector, Federal Poly, Ayede
Pioneer Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed in this interview with Mega Icon Magazine, shares his experience on the journey so far in the past two years as well as his vision for the fastest growing polytechnic, among its peers established in 2021, by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The University of Ilorin trained Electrical Engineer maintained that the institution would thrive on innovation, skills, functional education, and international partnerships.
Excerpts :
As the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, how would you describe the journey so far in the past two years?
First and foremost, we give thanks to God almighty. There have been so many challenges, really. We just have to thank God because most of the challenges have been surmounted one by one and gradually. We also know that Rome was not built in a day. Pioneering a new institution is like being thrown into a bush without a path or compass. You have to be the one to find your way, create your path, design your compass, and find your bearings. It was actually like that, but all the same, we thank God for where we are.
The stage so far might seem not significant to some, but if you compare us with other Polytechnics established at the same time, we can say we are faring very well in terms of manpower, infrastructural development, and in terms of student admission.
To a large extent, we are far better than many of our contemporaries. The summary is that the journey has been so challenging. Like they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. We are trying our best, and we hope in the upcoming years, the result will be more manifested than what we have currently.
Very recently, you said the polytechnic is determined on producing functional and active employers of labour after graduation. Can you share your vision for the institution with us?
The vision is still intact. You see there is this saying, being propagated by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Prof. Bugaje, “Skills not degrees”. Looking at what is trending in the advanced world, the emphasis is on skills, digital skills, and other soft skills even more than degrees. Until we can focus on skill acquisition, sincerely yours, Nigeria might not get out of the teething unemployment challenges.
Recently, NBTE and TETFUND organised a seminar for Rectors and Directors of Entrepreneurship Development in various Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria. It gladdens my heart to inform you that a sum of one hundred and thirty million Naira (N130M) has been approved for each of the Federal Polytechnic, specifically to strengthen skills acquisition initiatives.
What are the strategies you intend to deploy to achieve the set of skills development at the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede?
When you talk about skill acquisition, it is not theoretical stuff but built around vocation. It is not the volume of grammar spoken or the quantum of equations one can solve. It is about what you can do with your hands, and this is what matters now.
Sir, you invited the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the accreditation process with the presentation of thirteen courses, but only four were successfully accredited. Are there plans for other courses to be accredited any time soon?
Thank you! You need to understand that he who does not dare will never conquer. That was the story of the accreditation programme. We aimed very high, presenting thirteen courses. The presentation afforded us the opportunity of knowing what constitutes our strengths and weaknesses for the other eight not accredited courses. The report afforded us that auspicious opportunity, and we have left where they met us then. We believed by the time they come back again they will meet us readily improved.
How would you appraise the presence of the institution in this community and Ogbomoso in general?
Of course, when there is an institution in any community, it will bring about development. Despite the presence of this Polytechnic at the temporary campus, in Iresa-Pupa, the community is already benefiting in terms of patronage, economic boost, and exposure. The students and staff are already renting accommodation, as community members are also bearing witness to this development.
Even at the permanent sites, development is already springing up. Very recently, the then Council Chairman, Professor Dakas C. J. Dakas (SAN) led us to the permanent site. We have not less than eight structures already at various levels of completion. Certainly, after the completion, the community will experience development and economic boom.
Assuming it’s matriculation, what will be your message to the matriculants?
The motto of the school is Learning Dexterity and Moral. Learning is a continuous process and each student must devote themselves to learning to be useful. Dexterity is about skill acquisition that must be developed and improved upon steadily, while morality must be guided to be useful to society. A morally bankrupt person, whatever the volume of the knowledge, cannot be a useful member of any society.
That is why our focus is on learning blended with useful skills guarded by morality. My belief is, by God’s grace, before any student graduates from this Polytechnic, he or she must have developed and perfected at least two major skills.
Sir, looking into the crystal ball, in the next 5 years where would you place the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede?
By God’s grace, Federal Polytechnic, Ayede will stand unique among its peers and even, among older ones. Except for trying to be modest, our achievements, for instance, accessing TETFund interventions are outstanding compared to even older institutions. The polytechnic will thrive on innovation, skills, functional education, and international partnerships. Hopefully, in the next five years, this Polytechnic will be a positive point of reference.
(c) Mega Icon Magazine
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the commencement of its Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBWASSCE) for private candidates, starting from October 25, 2024.
The examination is set to run until December 20, 2024, according to a statement released by the council on Tuesday.
In a bid to modernise the examination process, WAEC disclosed that the CBWASSCE will be conducted in a hybrid format.
Adesina Fadekemi, the council’s spokesperson, explained that the objective or multiple-choice questions would be displayed onscreen, requiring candidates to submit their responses electronically.
However, for essay and practical questions, while the questions will also be presented digitally, candidates will still provide answers using traditional answer booklets.
Additionally, WAEC has provided an option for candidates who prefer to use the conventional Paper and Pen mode for all exam papers, catering to those not comfortable with the digital format.
The council also extended the registration deadline for the upcoming CBWASSCE to Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Candidates who miss the registration window can still take advantage of the “Walk-in-Candidate” option, allowing them to register 24 hours before their preferred paper is scheduled.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, has reaffirmed his commitment to aiding the Federal Polytechnic Ayede in realising its full potential.
Senator Akintunde made this pledge during a courtesy visit to the institution’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday.
Speaking during the visit, the lawmaker highlighted his passion for contributing to humanity, especially through the advancement of education and skills development.
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“I am part of the polytechnic system. I started at The Polytechnic, Ibadan before going to Lagos State University, Ojoo, Lagos. I’m a lover of knowledge and I am always striving to contribute my quota in the area of education and skills development, among others, and in the legislative assignments as my primary responsibility,” he stated.
The APC chieftain further emphasised his dedication to supporting the Polytechnic and its community, stating that leaders should be driven by a commitment to serving humanity.
He cited the legacy of Hon. Olu Afolabi, a Second Republic House of Representatives member, who was instrumental in establishing the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
“Afolabi’s legacy remains evergreen today,” Akintunde remarked, emphasising the importance of creating lasting impacts through public service.
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As part of his developmental projects for the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Akintunde disclosed that he had procured 120 solar-powered boreholes to be installed across the 118 wards of the 11 local governments in his senatorial district, along with 10,000 solar street lights.
He assured the Federal Polytechnic Ayede that some of these solar street lights would be installed within the institution to enhance security and visibility on campus.
Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, who was represented by the acting Rector and Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr. Azeez Ojo, expressed gratitude to the senator.
The Rector noted that Senator Akintunde had demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropic causes even before assuming office as a senator.
“You see, it’s a great privilege receiving Distinguished Senator Yunus Akintunde and his entourage on our campus today. Out of your magnanimity, Sir, you have decided to receive us,” Ojo said, acknowledging the senator’s gesture.
“Our Rector is away to Abuja for the progress and development of our Polytechnic. So, on behalf of the Chairman of our Governing Council, Barrister Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu; Rector; other Principal Officers; Deans; Directors; staff, and students, I welcome you and your entourage to Federal Polytechnic Ayede.
“While on Brave FM, you have, before even telling us, announced the gesture of solar lights donated to us. This we appreciate with the whole of our hearts,” he said.
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The Rector assured the lawmaker that his support would be instrumental in the continued growth and development of the fast-expanding institution.
The visit concluded with the Polytechnic community expressing hope for further collaboration with the senator in the areas of educational and infrastructural development.
(c) Mega Icon Magazine
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised serious concerns over the mass exit of 30 PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University, citing deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions as primary reasons for the exodus.
The worrying development was brought to light during a press conference held by ASUU on Friday, where officials of the union detailed the various challenges faced by academic staff at the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the union, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, lamented the lack of proper policies to retain top scholars, pointing out the absence of a formal employee exit policy.
“Many of our best scholars have been forced to seek better opportunities elsewhere,” Timothy said, adding that “SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place, as obtained in the structured public service regulation in the country.”
He further explained that the lack of such provisions leaves academic staff insecure about their future. “Without a pension or death benefit scheme, our members feel unsafe and unsure of their long-term prospects,” Timothy remarked.
In addition to these grievances, the union condemned the university’s administration for its failure to pay over 650 million naira in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners. This has further deepened the discontent among staff members.
“Despite the university generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy disclosed.
The union also raised concerns over the sharp increase in student fees, coupled with the administration’s neglect of staff training and development.
Timothy criticised the university for imposing over a 100 percent hike in fees for regular undergraduate programmes, yet failing to address staff welfare.
“The university claims it lacks funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students,” he stated.
ASUU also expressed displeasure with the continued tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has remained in office since the university’s inception.
The union called for adherence to established regulations governing appointments, arguing that the prolonged tenure has stifled accountability and hindered the implementation of progressive policies.
In light of these critical issues, ASUU urged the Bauchi State Government and other stakeholders to take immediate action to address staff welfare, calling for the establishment of a comprehensive exit policy and the payment of overdue allowances.
“Unless these issues are resolved, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU,” Timothy warned.
He further called on the state government to declare a state of emergency at the university to ensure that all contentious matters are urgently addressed, securing the future of both academic staff and the institution.
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