Buhari Hails Fedpoly Ilaro Innovation During Covid-19 Outbreak

ABEOKUTA - President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the management of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun state for their ingenuity and creativity during Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

Buhari gave the commendation on Wednesday at the 20th convocation of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun state.

Buhari who was represented by Dr. Adeleye Adeoye, Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions, Federal Ministry of Education, said the pandemic has brought out the creativity of the Faculty of Engineering in the design and development of Mechanical Ventilator, Disinfectant Booths, Movable Environmental Sanitizer and Multiple Outlets Hand Washing Machine aimed at curtailing the spread of the pandemic and assist in the treatment of patient.

The President who commended the stable academic calendar and facilities put in place for conducive academic environment in the Polytechnic, charged all Nigerian Polytechnics to adhere strictly to the admission policy of 70:30 ratio in favour of Science and Technology based programmes. 

He said, Nigeria relies on the polytechnic system for the production of "globally competitive manpower for the industrial development and economic growth of the country."

He implored the polytechnic to take practical approach in Technical and Vocational Education in form of training and retraining of artisans and craftsmen through the adoption of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) guidelines.

"I equally want to employ all polytechnics to adhere strictly to the admission policy of 70:30 ratio in favour of Science and Technology based programmes. Similarly, the Polytechnics should key into the National Qualification, Vocational Framework (NQVF) developed by NBTE, as this will enhance skill development. 

"The polytechnic is equally encouraged to engage in researches that would assist community development in particular and Nigeria economy in general," Buhari said.

Buhari said his administration has put in place infrastructures across all sectors of economy and urged Nigerians to protect that facilities from vandals and ensure its good use for the common good of the citizens.

These infrastructures, he said, are boosting youth employment and reduction of poverty.

The President also urged Polytechnics to catch on new developments to develop and train the students in the skills necessary to man these infrastructures.

While congratulating the graduating  students, Buhari urged them to utilize the knowledge acquired positively in the service of humanity and continue to be good ambassadors of the institution.

In his address, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Olusegun Aluko disclosed that, between 2015 and 2022, the institution was able to extend its curriculum by establishing 28 new academic programmes both at ND and HND levels.

Aluko added that, the institution also bagged the award of second best polytechnic in the country by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

He said, "We have built a legacy of performance and timely delivery on promises, plans and schedules. Our academic sessions begin in good time and end in good time. Our graduands are always ready for NYSC mobilisation and the institution does not have a backlog of graduands. 

"We have efficient system in place tracking our our admission and the progression from admission to graduation and we are in synch with regulatory agencies that oversee these; JAMB, the NBTE, the NYSC, the Federal Ministry of Education, among others.

"We have also had a legacy of social peace and harmony and ensured that learning and life at the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro is not subjected to the violent and criminal intentions of youth cult groups and criminal gangs.

"Today at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, our students study without molestation from cult groups or the fear of it. Our students and their parents can attest to the fact that among institutions this is one that puts premium on students life and goes to any extent to ensure that students have a peaceful environment to study, no matter the odds and whatever the cost is. This has been one of our strong points."