The Acting Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), Ondo State, Dr. Olorunwa Adegun, has called on stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector to work collectively to prevent the extinction of polytechnic education in the country. Adegun made the appeal while addressing journalists on Monday ahead of the institution’s forthcoming combined convocation ceremony, which is expected to graduate over 25,000 students from 12 academic sessions.
According to him, polytechnic education remains the backbone of technological advancement and industrial growth in any country, emphasizing that Nigeria’s development goals would remain elusive without a strong commitment to technical education. He stressed that polytechnics are not merely alternatives to universities but vital institutions for hands-on innovation and skills-driven learning.
“The same law that establishes the polytechnic system defines polytechnic education,” Adegun explained. “The challenge, however, lies in harmonising both. For instance, in 2020, about 60 universities in China were converted into polytechnics, and today, the world looks to China for technological production and models.” He added that Nigeria must learn from such examples by giving technical education its rightful place in national planning and investment.
Adegun expressed concern that many young Nigerians continue to prioritise theoretical university degrees over practical skills offered in polytechnics. He warned that the country’s overdependence on paper qualifications, rather than applied knowledge, is a major reason for its industrial stagnation. “Until we realise that technical and polytechnic education drives technology, we won’t move out of our current stagnation,” he said.
The rector emphasised that Nigeria must cultivate a culture of innovation, where both “hands and brains” are used to produce tools, machines, and systems that address local challenges. “We must use our hands and brains to develop and manufacture what can move us forward. If we continue to rely on paperwork and theory alone, we won’t advance,” he remarked. He called on the Minister of Education to show the political will needed to reform and prioritise polytechnic education as a national agenda.
Speaking on the forthcoming convocation, Dr. Adegun revealed that the event would mark a significant milestone for the institution. He said that about 25,000 graduates from 12 different academic sessions would be formally conferred with their diplomas and certificates, describing it as a “jinx-breaking exercise” that signals a new dawn for RUGIPO.
He explained that the convocation could not hold for more than a decade due to prolonged financial crises, industrial actions, and loss of accreditation for several programmes. “In this combined convocation, we are expecting close to 25,000 graduates. We are talking about 12 years, so if you break it down to an average of five years, you’ll understand the magnitude,” he said, adding that the event would restore morale among students, staff, and alumni.
Adegun also underscored the significance of convocation ceremonies in the academic life of an institution, describing them as both a moment of celebration and an evaluation metric. “Convocation is supposed to be a yearly event. It is the climax of study that begins when a student gains admission and completes their programme. It also boosts morale and marks the transition into the world’s labour market,” he explained.
For the institution, he noted that the consistent hosting of convocation ceremonies is a sign of stability and operational excellence. “If an institution is not holding convocations, it counts as a minus. So, by the grace of God, this convocation is going to be a continuous exercise going forward,” Adegun assured.
The rector concluded by appreciating Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his intervention in reviving the polytechnic. He noted that the governor approved funds to clear outstanding salary arrears, increased the school’s monthly subsidy, and restored staff confidence. Adegun said the governor’s commitment to education had rekindled hope for the institution and its workers, paving the way for RUGIPO to regain its pride as one of Nigeria’s leading polytechnics.
