Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured students that his administration will continue to prioritise education, saying stronger schools remain key to building a competitive future for the state.
Makinde gave the assurance on Friday at the 40th convocation ceremony of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where 3,393 National Diploma and Higher National Diploma students graduated.
Speaking through his Deputy, Adebayo Lawal, the governor said his government had deliberately increased investment in education since assuming office about six years ago.
“When we came on board, budgetary allocation to education was between 17 and 21 per cent. Today, we have taken deliberate steps to strengthen the sector and improve outcomes at all levels,” he said.
Makinde acknowledged the manpower challenges facing tertiary institutions, including The Polytechnic, Ibadan, noting that the state government had continued to address staff shortages through recruitment and capacity-building.
He said the government was working closely with the institution’s management to reposition it for global competitiveness.
“Our goal is to ensure that graduates of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, are equipped with the skills and knowledge to compete anywhere in the world. The world will not wait for anyone,” he added, urging students to be innovative and forward-thinking.
Adding a royal voice to the occasion, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who received a Fellowship Award, described education as the foundation of national development.
He urged the graduates to represent the institution with pride and integrity wherever they find themselves, announcing a N5 million cash gift for the best graduating student, alongside other prizes for outstanding graduates.
Earlier, the Acting Rector, Taiwo Lasisi, disclosed that 1,514 National Diploma students and 2,879 Higher National Diploma students graduated across five faculties each, with the overall best student recording a CGPA of 3.87.
Lasisi said all graduands had acquired at least one practical skill, enabling them to be self-reliant even without government jobs.
He called on the Federal Government to convert polytechnics into degree-awarding institutions, arguing that it would end the long-standing disparity between polytechnic and university graduates.
“The UK and China have shown how polytechnics can drive national development. Nigeria must not be left behind,” he said, urging Governor Makinde to lead the process, starting with The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, overall best graduate, Basirat Yusuf, expressed gratitude to the institution’s management for creating an environment that promotes excellence and practical learning.
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