University Don calls training of self-reliant graduates

The Vice Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Professor Adeniyi Gbadegesin has called for training of self-reliant graduates in all tertiary institutions in Nigeria to reduce unemployment.

Professor Gbadegesin made this known during first Foundation Day Lecture of the Federal Polytechnic Ile-Oluji, Ondo State held at the Multi-purpose hall located in take-off site of the polytechnic recently.

The University Don who was represented by Professor Joshua Ajetomobi in his lecture titled Building Entrepreneurial and Self Reliant Graduates through Technical and Vocational Education said building entrepreneurial and self reliant graduates is critical to revamp Nigeria economy from recession.

He added that there are many opportunities for graduates to turn themselves to job providers instead of adding to growing employment rate in the country.

Earlier, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ile-Oluji, Professor Emmanuel Fasakin in his welcome address said the annual Foundation Day Public Lecture is a day that marks the launching of the polytechnic.

According to him, “Today is a very significant day in the annals of this great and promising citadel of learning.  It is a day that marks the launching of a legacy in Nigeria’s higher education sector.  It is also a day that marks the divine fulfillment of the yearnings, aspirations and prayers of the good people of Ile-Oluji and Ondo State in general.

“…But of more relevance to this event is the fact that on the 4th of May, 2015, the Honourable Minister of Education, (then) Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, along with the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Head of Tertiary Education in the Ministry of Education, and other numerous officials of the Federal Ministry of Education came to Ile-Oluji and declared the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji open for administrative and academic activities.”

The Rector disclosed that the Polytechnic would be holding a public lecture on topical issues to mark establishment date, thereby giving the staff, students and members of the public to learn something new that can change their lives in a better way.

Dignitaries at the event include The Executive Governor of Ondo-State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, represented by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, Lisa of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, Surv. J. A. A. Fagbamiye, principal officers of the polytechnic and other officials from both federal and state ministries of education.