Buhari expresses concern over lack of interest in technical-based institutions

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday expressed concern over youths lack of interest in technical-based institutions in the country.

The President who stated this during the maiden convocation ceremony of the Federal Polytechnic, ile – Oluji, Ondo state, noted that the apathy towards the technical education by the youths is detrimental to the manpower needs of emerging industries in the country.

Speaking through the chairman of the governing board, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof Modupe Adelabu, President Buhari said: “It is imperative to note that though vocational education is important for preparing necessary manpower for a developing economy, such as ours, the youth of school ages in our country are apathetic towards it.

” Enrolment into technical-based educational institutions at tertiary level is still at an appalling percentage.

“Records of enrolments into universities in recent years show a progressive increase while those of into technical-based institutions have only been marginal.

“The dearth of skilled manpower at the middle level should provide a huge opportunity for our youths who attend technical-based institutions or are willing to develop themselves in any of them.

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“Nation all over the world have come to realise the importance of technical vocational education training in strengthening economies and building formidable industries.”

According to President Buhari, some countries like China, Singapore, Malaysia and India have been strengthening their economies through the development of technical-based institutions.

He said: “On our part, we will continuously provide the needed support and enablement for the development and enhancement of technical and vocational education in Nigeria.”

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Adedayo Fasakin, said that paucity of funds was a major challenge facing the institution.

“We still face the challenge of low and irregular release in terms of capital and overhead allowances”, even as he called for a special case for increase capital and overhead allocation to the polytechnic.

Fasakin said that the institution welcome donations and all forms of support.

”We welcome collaborative relationship through Build – Operate – and Transfer BOT arrangement.”

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state commended the authorities of the school over the development of the institution within the four years of its establishment, urging that it should help produce students that will meet the manpower needs of the country.