… Double stream classes lowering quality of polytechnic graduates
By Mohammed Mohammed
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, has described Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) as a veritable instrument in linking industries, academia and technological advancements for promotion of Research and Development (R&Ds) for the growth of the nation’s economy.
He, however, called on NBTE to review the operation of double stream classes called consultancy classes whereby students of polytechnics were admitted for afternoon and evening classes only, a method he said was lowering the standard and quality of polytechnic graduates.
Haruna, who was the Special Guest at the commissioning of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) R&Ds and Innovation Exhibition Hall disclosed this on Tuesday in Kaduna while presenting his paper titled: “The Role of Polytechnic Research, Development and Innovation in the socio-economic Development of Nigeria”.
While emphasizing the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the socio-economic development of any nation, Haruna said: “The foundation of a knowledge-based economy is formed on a tripod comprising of technicians (Crafts men and women), Technologists and Engineers, who must work together in ensuring Nigeria’s transition from consumer based economy to a manufacturing economy.
“Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) have been recognized as instrumental toward making extraordinary contributions to industries and technological work environments.
The EVC, explained that developed and developing countries such as China, USA, Japan, Singapore, Germany and the Asian Tiger Clubs had attained tremendous heights in terms of industrialization resulting from consistent and substantial investments in TVET in all economic ramifications for their citizens.
Haruna noted that NASENI, as an agency of government with the primary target to empower Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) through impartation of technologies, engineering principles and practices for the production of equipment that will meet international standards as well as sustenance of a flourishing local capital goods or industry, is willing to partner with NBTE and Polytechnics in the development of a pilot plant on promising R&Ds and Innovation Prototype.
Haruna, a Professor of Electrical Engineering himself is an alumnus of both Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi and Kaduna Polytechnic shared his experience on the glorious days when polytechnics were known to produce relevant and quality graduates who were highly sort after by employers of labour from the private sector and various industries as well as the mutually beneficial synergy and collaboration that existed between industries and polytechnics. This he said “is now completely history”
The EVC added that NASENI’s willingness to partner with NBTE and any polytechnic with a promising prototype of research output to develop a pilot plant as well as investment in joint ventures with private sector for commercial production.