FG tasks graduates on problem-solving, says education reforms on course

The Minister of Education, Dr Moruf Alausa, has urged Nigerian graduates to apply their knowledge and skills toward addressing challenges hindering national development.

Represented by the Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions, Mrs Igwe Amy, the minister made the call on Wednesday at the 23rd convocation ceremony of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, recently upgraded to a Federal University of Technology.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in education remained on course, with sustained efforts to reposition the sector for enhanced productivity.

“I firmly believe that with your skills and determination, you can be part of the solution.

“As you embark on the next stage, be bold, innovative, and entrepreneurial. Harness your skills to drive positive change and represent Nigeria with pride,” he said.

Alausa added that Tinubu’s administration was focused on consolidating gains in the education sector, with emphasis on technical and vocational education as drivers of national development.

He disclosed that reforms include a revised curriculum scheduled for implementation in the 2025/2026 academic session,.

“It’s going to feature reduced subject loads, deeper learning approaches, and compulsory vocational training in areas such as solar photovoltaic installation and robotics,” he said.

Earlier, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr Mikhail Akinde, said the institution graduated 8,713 students, comprising 3,067 Higher National Diploma (HND) and 5,646 Ordinary National Diploma (OND) holders.

He said 201 HND graduates earned distinctions, while 281 OND graduates graduated with top honours.

Akinde identified Fadiran Enitan of the Science and Laboratory Technology Department, with a CGPA of 3.97, as the overall best HND graduate.

He said that Tijani Oluwaseyi of the Animal Health and Production Technology Department, with a CGPA of 3.93, emerged best OND graduate.

NAN reports that the event featured the conferment of fellowship awards on Gov. Dikko Radda of Kano State, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.

In his convocation lecture titled “Digital Literacy: Fundamental Skills and Job Creation Tools for Graduands in the 21st Century”, Radda urged graduates to embrace digital skills as tools for job creation and economic growth.

Represented by his Deputy, Farouk Lawal, the governor encouraged the graduates to be innovative and technology-driven in contributing to national development.