The Vice-Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Ota in Ogun, Prof Jeremiah Ojediran has advised the federal government to revamp the education sector by promoting vocational and technical education.
Ojediran gave the advice at a press conference held in preparation for the 11th Convocation ceremony of the institution in Ota, Ogun State on Wednesday.
The University boss who decried poor funding of technical and vocational schools noted that vocational and technical education is the only way to advance the standard of education in the country, as well as promote economic growth.
He described technical and vocational education as capital intensive, hence the need for government’s support through equipment and manpower.
Ojediran also called on the federal government to be partners in progress with operators of private universities in “the provision of high-level manpower needed for the advancement of Nigeria.”
According to him, private universities would be able to complement the government’s drive for economic growth if they get assistance with infrastructure and equipment.
“In the years past, in the 60s, there were technical colleges and most of the people that passed through these technical colleges were artisans in industries. They were skilled artisans; some of them have their own businesses.
“One major problem that this country has is the fact that we have virtually phased out technical colleges. If they still exist, they are very few. Our education sector has been bastardised. Our technical colleges are moribund, there are no equipment.”
“Vocational and Technical education is the route to go in this country if we must make it. Our government must go back to technical education and fund them very well.”
“It is our only way out of the current economic crisis in the country. If we must get out of our economic challenges, we must revive our vocational and technical education,” he said.
“The foundation of our economy is technical education. The standard of technical education in the country is low.
“Government must come to the aid of private universities in terms of infrastructure, equipment and other things that they need to develop human resources and our economy.”
He condemned the budgetary allocation for education in the country’s 2020 budget proposal, noting that the sector needs more funds to make a mark.
His said,”if the country must move forward we must have a penchant for the development of human resources. Investment in human resources in our country is like investing in the entire country, it is like building the country. So giving education the lowest share in the budget is like going backwards.
“The government must go back and beef up the budget on education because education is paramount. They must do something about the budget. I am totally against the low budget for education and I am sure many of us who know the value of education will agree with me.”
Meanwhile, as part of activities marking the 11th convocation ceremony, a lecture slated for 31st of October which is themed “Globalisation: Challenges and impact on the sustainable development of Africa” will be delivered by former secretary of the constitution of Kenya Review Commission, Prof. Patrick Loch Lumumba.
Other features include a health walk and talk for all staff and students of the institution; Science and technology fair exhibition as well as a convocation play titled ‘Isidiru’.
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