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House of Representatives Committee supports enhanced funding for polytechnic education
The committee’s engagement with the rectors reflects a proactive approach to addressing the systemic issues facing polytechnic education in Nigeria. Laguda’s statement that “what we need to drive in this nation is technology and innovation” resonates deeply with the ongoing discourse about the essential role of polytechnics in equipping youth with the skills needed for today’s job market.
The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has expressed its commitment to advocating for improved funding in the polytechnic education sub-sector.
This assurance was made by the committee’s Chairman, Mr. Fuad Laguda, during a two-day oversight visit to six federal polytechnics in the South-West Geopolitical Zone.
The visit aimed to assess the performance of these institutions and review their budget allocations and funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The event took place on Tuesday at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos, where rectors from various polytechnics convened to discuss their challenges, particularly the issue of inadequate funding.
The institutions involved in the oversight included the Federal Polytechnic, Ayide (Oyo State); Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (Ogun State); YABATECH; Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti; Federal Polytechnic, Ede (Osun State); and Federal Polytechnic, Ile Oluji (Ondo State).
Laguda emphasized the importance of this oversight, stating, “This will give us a better view of what they are doing, how they are doing it, and whether previous appropriations were used effectively.”
He noted that the majority of the 36 polytechnics in Nigeria reported funding as a significant challenge, yet he acknowledged that they are performing above average despite these constraints.
The committee aims to support the polytechnic sector in securing improved funding from the Federal Government and other stakeholders.
Laguda stressed the need for a cultural shift among students, lecturers, and the public to prioritize technology and innovation, which he believes are more pronounced in polytechnics than universities.
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Responding to the committee’s findings, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, Rector of YABATECH, urged a review of the TETFund allocation formula, which he argued disadvantages polytechnics.
He highlighted the necessity for advocacy regarding infrastructure improvements and the equitable treatment of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates.
“We don’t want discrimination against our HND graduates,” Abdul stated, emphasizing the importance of legislative support for the sector.
Other rectors, including Dr. Mikahi Akinde of Federal Polytechnic Ilaro and Dr. Alake John of Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, commended the committee’s initiative, describing the meeting as impactful and successful.
Akinde noted, “I have been able to tell our problems to the committee members and they have agreed to assist,” while John highlighted the need for public awareness of polytechnic strengths, particularly in skill-based education.