The immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has emphasized the critical role of polytechnic education in revitalizing Nigeria’s economy.
He noted that polytechnics are designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in universities and the hands-on skills required for industrial development.
Speaking at the 39th Convocation Lecture of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Prof. Ogundipe stressed that neglecting polytechnic education has significantly hindered the country’s economic progress.
The lecture, themed “Emerging Technology Advancement, National Development, and Growth in the 21st Century: Repositioning Nigerian Polytechnics,” highlighted the need for targeted reforms to maximize the impact of polytechnics on the nation’s economic landscape.
In bridging the Skills Gap, Prof. Ogundipe explained that the founding vision of polytechnics—including The Polytechnic, Ibadan—was to provide skilled manpower for industries. However, many Nigerian polytechnics still focus on traditional disciplines such as civil and electrical engineering, with limited integration of emerging technologies.
“To meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market, polytechnics must modernize their curricula to include fields like artificial intelligence, data science, blockchain, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and robotics,” he said. He emphasized that a curriculum overhaul should combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on training to prepare students for the digital economy.
Polytechnics as Drivers of Industrialization, Prof. Ogundipe, polytechnic training should serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy by equipping students with practical skills needed for self-employment and entrepreneurship. He pointed out that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which drive economic growth, rely heavily on technically skilled workers.
“Without a thriving SME sector, Nigeria will struggle to achieve sustainable economic prosperity beyond oil revenue,” he stated. He further noted that polytechnic graduates, with their strong technical and entrepreneurial training, are better positioned to create jobs and contribute to economic diversification.
The Need for Infrastructure and Policy Reforms, Prof. Ogundipe called for urgent investment in infrastructure, faculty development, and industry partnerships to enhance the quality of polytechnic education. He highlighted several challenges facing Nigerian polytechnics, including outdated curricula, poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of access to modern equipment.
“To reposition our polytechnics as centers of technological innovation, we need a concerted effort from the government, industry, and academic institutions,” he said. “With the right policies, investments, and commitment, Nigerian polytechnics can become key drivers of national development.”
He also advocated for stronger collaboration between polytechnics and industries, suggesting that private sector participation in student training should be incentivized through tax reliefs.
In a Global Perspective Nigeria’s ‘Japa’ Opportunity, Prof. Ogundipe suggested that Nigeria could strategically train its youth for export, similar to how countries like India and the Philippines leverage their skilled workforce for global employment opportunities.
“If Nigeria invests in equipping its young population with in-demand technical skills, we can create a system where our graduates become sought-after talents worldwide, bringing foreign exchange back to the country,” he said.
The former UNILAG VC proposed the establishment of innovation hubs and incubators within polytechnics to foster entrepreneurship and commercialize students’ ideas. These hubs, he explained, could serve as collaborative spaces where students and industry players develop solutions for national and global challenges.
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He also recommended the introduction of modular, short-term training programs tailored to immediate market needs. “Short courses in digital marketing, renewable energy, coding, and small-scale manufacturing can provide students with practical skills in high-demand areas,” he said.
Prof. Ogundipe emphasized that for Nigeria’s polytechnic system to fulfill its potential, there must be deliberate efforts to modernize curricula, improve infrastructure, and strengthen industry partnerships. He also underscored the importance of faculty development and research in emerging technologies.
“With a well-structured polytechnic education system, students will not only earn certificates but also gain financial independence through hands-on training,” he concluded. “By aligning education with industry needs, Nigeria can build a knowledge-driven economy that thrives in the 21st century.”
