The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Idah, Prof Yahaya Usman, has advocated for the awarding of a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree to polytechnic graduates across the country.
Prof Usman made this call on Saturday at the Nigeria Education Merit Award Platform (NEMWP) held in Lokoja.
He disclosed that the introduction of the BTech degree would address the ongoing issues related to the dichotomy between polytechnic and university qualifications in Nigeria.
“We are advocating for Polytechnic graduates to be awarded a Bachelor of Technology (BTech). If this is achieved, we will phase out the Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate.
“The only qualification that will remain is the National Diploma (ND). This proposal, with God’s grace, will see the light of day. By pursuing this idea, the challenges faced by Polytechnics will be resolved naturally,” he stated.
Usman commended the government at all levels for ensuring that Polytechnic education is delivered effectively and in line with its original objectives.
He noted, “The aspect we have been missing for a long time is the pet project by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), focusing on skills acquisition. Now, the emphasis is on skill acquisition. Our students, whether in National Diploma or Higher National Diploma programs, will no longer receive just one certificate. They will also earn additional certifications in specific skill areas.”
“This will enhance our technological development. Instead of importing foreign labor for tasks like welding, our students will be capable of doing it. We won’t need to look outside the country. We aim to export skilled graduates to earn foreign exchange.
“Today, if a Polytechnic graduate enters the job market, they won’t solely seek white-collar jobs. In the next five or ten years, as the Executive Director of NBTE envisions and as government supports this initiative, our Nigerian youths will be better off, and we will see a reduction in massive unemployment.”
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