Alumni Seek Polytechnic Upgrade To Degree-Awarding Status

The President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has been urged to cancel the Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes and make the National Diploma (ND) the minimum entry requirement into polytechnics.

The Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti Alumni Association (FEDPAA), which made the appeal, also called for the upgrade of all polytechnics to degree-awarding institutions.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti during the 2nd Annual General Meeting of FEDPAA, the National President of the body, Dr Oyedokun Abiodun, said the move is necessary for a seamless transition into a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) programme in Nigeria.

The AGM, held online according to Abiodun, was themed “Polytechnic Education and Alumni Engagement: Catalysts for Human Capital Development and a Resilient Economy.”

He said; “Upgrading polytechnics to degree-awarding status and finally breaking the B.Sc./HND dichotomy will stand as a truly remarkable and unforgettable landmark achievement in the history of Nigeria’s technological education.

“We appeal to President Tinubu to please approve the upgrading of all polytechnics to degree-awarding institutions. We also request that the cherished name of our institutions remains ‘polytechnic’. We appreciate your government for the commendable strides made in the education sector in Nigeria.

“Our goal is to achieve a better and more equitable polytechnic education system in Nigeria, one that will truly pave the way for accelerated technological advancement in our beloved country.”

The Alumni President, while giving his account of stewardship, said; “Our commitment to our alma mater is visible in our construction of hostels and various forms of institutional support. We have indeed done well in these areas.”

He urged members to continually develop themselves in relevant skills and specialised knowledge and strive to lead by example and be the best representation and product of the excellent polytechnic education you received.

The Guest Speaker, Dr Simbo Popoola, who stressed the importance of alumni to growth and development, described polytechnic education as a key driver of national industrialisation, provider of job-ready skills and manpower for engineering, ICT, agriculture and manufacturing, supporter of MSME growth and entrepreneurship.

“The world is changing fast evolve faster. Keep improving yourself, take the lead shape the future, lead wherever you serve, and let excellence be your signature.”

The Rector of the institution, Temitope Alake, charged the old students to “bear in mind that the survival of polytechnic education in Nigeria depends largely on its alumni bodies. Let us therefore lend our voices and hands to causes that improve polytechnic education. In doing so, we shall not only save the sector, we shall save our nation.”

The Rector hailed the association and its current leadership for efforts aimed at improving the institution’s lot.

FEDPAA Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr Oluwatoyin Alabi, who described the AGM as a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to the growth, visibility, and continued relevance of its alma mater, urged all members to deepen their engagement, support ongoing projects, and renew their sense of ownership.

Alabi said; “As alumni, we are custodians of a proud legacy. Our institution shaped our skills, our values, and our aspirations.

“It is therefore our shared responsibility to ensure that The Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti continues to thrive as a centre of excellence producing graduates who will compete and excel anywhere in the world.”

The Registrar of the institution, Mrs Folasade Akintola, hailed the alumni, stating their contributions, whether through mentorship, partnership, advocacy, or service remain vital to the advancement of our noble institution.

“No doubt, the strategic collaborative efforts of the Alumni body of the Polytechnic have yielded results and enhanced its developmental agenda. Your achievements in various fields of endeavour serve as an inspiration to our current students and reinforce the reputation of this great institution.”

The Vice President and Chairman, National Organising Committee, Moses Bominuru, said the alumni would, through the theme of the AGM, explore how our polytechnic education and collective engagement can drive national development.

“As catalysts for change, let us leverage our diverse skills and experiences to shape FEDPAA’s future and contribute to Nigeria’s prosperity.”

A former Rector, Dr Theresa Akande, in her goodwill message, said the Alumni Association is part of the bedrock of our institution and the development of a nation’s economy.

Akande congratulated the Alumni Association for the giant strides attained in the first decade of its existence, advising; sea“Always conduct your affairs with decorum, dignity, and love. Be your brother’s keeper always. Let peace and harmony be your watchword and you will all be the better for it.”