Prof. Aina, a former Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, noted that Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful industrialization by producing graduates with certificates but without practical skills to solve real-world problems. He stressed that the country needs competent individuals capable of creating value, generating opportunities, and solving problems. Aina advised graduating students not to define themselves solely by their certificates, but to see themselves as technically trained professionals.
Aina suggested that Nigeria must move from being a consumer of technology to becoming a nation of creators, adapters, and innovators capable of developing solutions suited to its peculiar needs. He advocated for a national skills-forecasting system to identify emerging labor-market requirements before shortages become acute. This system would enable the country to anticipate and address skill gaps in the labor market.
The don called for stronger industry participation in curriculum development, modern laboratories and workshops, applied research, entrepreneurship, innovation, and closer partnerships between technical institutions and employers. He proposed an annual EKSCOTECH Innovation and Technology Expo to strengthen relationships between EKSCOTECH, industry, government, investors, and the wider community. This expo would provide a platform for students to display prototypes and for industries to present real-world problems.
Aina charged the Ekiti State Government to regard the transformation of EKSCOTECH as a strategic investment in the state's future productive capacity. He called for sustained investment in modern infrastructure, functional laboratories and workshops, digital connectivity, staff development, applied research, innovation, industry partnerships, entrepreneurship, and sustainable financing. This would enable EKSCOTECH to produce graduates with practical skills and competencies.
The Chairman, EKSCOTECH Governing Council, Dr. Femi Thomas, lauded Aina for emphasizing solutions to challenges graduates faced after leaving tertiary institutions. Thomas also hailed Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his support for the institution, saying the governor's interventions had contributed significantly to its growth and development. The Rector of EKSCOTECH, Dr. Olufemi Olubamise, said the institution had been equipping students with practical skills aimed at making them self-reliant after graduation.
The convocation event, which held on Saturday, September 26, on the institution's campus, had in attendance representatives of the managements of sister higher institutions in Ekiti State, including BOUESTI, led by its VC, Prof. Babatunde Omojola; the Owa-Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Adewole Adebayo; and other dignitaries. The event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the future of technical education in Nigeria and its role in driving national development.
Key points
- - Ex-EKSU VC Prof. Oladipo Aina stresses need for Nigeria to prioritize skills, problem-solving, and innovation for national development. - Aina advocates for a national skills-forecasting system to identify emerging labor-market requirements. - He proposes an annual EKSCOTECH Innovation and Technology Expo to strengthen relationships between EKSCOTECH, industry, government, investors, and the wider community.
