Aiyedatiwa renews push for vocational education in Ondo

…breaks 10-year enrolment lull, as over 150 matriculate in govt college

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education as part of efforts to boost industrial growth and develop a skilled workforce in Ondo State.

The governor gave the assurance during the matriculation ceremony for over 150 newly admitted students of Government Technical College Okitipupa, marking the end of a decade-long lull in student enrolment at the institution.

Aiyedatiwa described technical and vocational education as critical to economic development, noting that the state government is determined to reposition technical colleges to equip young people with practical skills that meet modern industry demands.

He said the admission of the new students signalled a renewed commitment by the government to revive technical education and encourage youths to pursue skill-based careers capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

The governor, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Technical Vocational Education, Ogbeni Tayo Oluyi, highlighted technical education as a crucial tool to tackle youth unemployment and create skilled jobs in the country.

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He reiterated the present administration’s resolve to sustain investments in vocational education, acknowledging that the development of any nation depends largely on the strength of its skilled workforce.

“As a government, we recognise that the prosperity of ‎Ondo State will be driven not only by policy, but by competent hands and innovative minds trained in our technical institutions,” the governor said.

According to Aiyedatiwa, the present administration has initiated more than ten strategic projects at the college, including renovation of existing facilities, new constructions and ongoing maintenance to improve the learning environment and upgrade infrastructure.

The governor noted that the interventions were not limited to Okitipupa, adding that similar projects were being implemented across the other four technical colleges in the state as part of efforts to revitalise technical and vocational education.

“These projects, comprising renovation of existing facilities, new construction, and ongoing maintenance, are aimed at improving the learning environment, upgrading infrastructure, and ensuring that students acquire skills that are relevant and globally competitive,” he said.

He stressed that the matriculation of over 150 students at the college marked a significant milestone after nearly ten years of low enrolment and declining visibility.

“It is therefore deeply significant that today, after nearly a decade of low enrolment, Government Technical College, Okitipupa, is matriculating over 150 students across various trades, effectively breaking a ten-year jinx and restoring confidence in technical education within the region.

“This milestone is a clear demonstration that deliberate reforms and sustained attention to technical education are yielding tangible results,” he added.

Aiyedatiwa, however, tasked the matriculating students to remain focused and take pride in their chosen crafts as they prepare to contribute meaningfully to society.

Remarking, the Principal of the college, Engr. Faye Omotola described the ceremony as an important milestone in the students’ academic journey.

Omotola commended the governor for his commitment to transforming technical colleges in the state and promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), noting that the initiative had created opportunities for youths to acquire relevant skills and become employable.

Earlier, the Director of School Services at BATVE, Mrs Ola Adumashi, lauded the state government for upgrading and renovating technical colleges across the state.

She advised the new students to approach their studies with seriousness and determination while avoiding distractions.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Vice Principal (Administration), Engr. Omotoso Adegbenro; Vice Principal (Academics), Mrs. T. Okeowo; Registrar, Mr. O. Abilogun; the Principal of GTC Okeigbo, Engr. Abiro, BATVE management staff and parents.