Federal Govt Policies Undermining Polytechnic Education – Dr. Ekwere

Renowned educationist and founder of Dorben Polytechnic, Abuja, Dr. Akpan Ekwere, has raised concerns over federal government policies that he claims are stifling polytechnic education in Nigeria. He expressed disappointment that polytechnics, contrary to their founding vision, are being marginalized by policies that undermine their importance in the nation’s educational framework.

The American-trained accountant, who proudly noted that he had personally overseen the training of 76 chartered accountants after their Higher National Diploma (HND) from Dorben Polytechnic, lamented that the government has relegated polytechnic education to a secondary position, despite its critical role in the country’s technical manpower development.

Ekwere’s comments came as Dorben Polytechnic emerged victorious in both the National Diploma and Higher National Diploma categories at the National Practical Competition, organized by the Committee of Deans of Engineering of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology (COMPODET), during the 32nd Engineering Assembly in Abuja.

A strong advocate for technical education, Ekwere specifically criticized a recent policy by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which mandates polytechnic graduates to join professional associations before they can be mobilized for the one-year compulsory national service. According to him, this policy, alongside other unfavorable government measures, has had a detrimental effect on polytechnic graduates, who are often sidelined in the job market despite their qualifications and practical skills.

He expressed his dissatisfaction that, despite the efforts of the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the NYSC has not reversed its decision, which he views as harmful to polytechnic education.

Speaking after a ceremony where Dorben Polytechnic’s victorious students were honored, Ekwere said, “I am extremely proud of our students for their success. To see them compete on a national stage and return with trophies is incredibly fulfilling. Their achievement against federal and state polytechnics across the country proves the value of polytechnic education.”

Ekwere reiterated his call for the government to recognize and support polytechnics in fulfilling the nation’s technical manpower needs. “The Executive Secretary of NBTE has been fighting to have polytechnics recognized as key institutions in this country. Polytechnics train students with practical skills, yet when they graduate, they are overlooked for jobs simply because they don’t have a university degree. That is unfair. The focus should be on whether they can do the job.”

He added that polytechnics are designed to be practical-oriented institutions, emphasizing entrepreneurship and hands-on technical training. “Not everyone can or should go through university. Polytechnic education is different, but it is not inferior. The founding fathers of polytechnics understood the importance of practical training. It’s disheartening to see these institutions being devalued,” he said.

Ekwere also criticized the requirement that polytechnic graduates undergo additional qualifications before they can participate in NYSC, a requirement not imposed on university graduates. “After spending four years at a polytechnic and completing a year of industrial training, it is unreasonable to demand that students join a professional association before they can serve in NYSC. This policy is unjust and harmful to polytechnic students.”

He further condemned the conversion of polytechnics and colleges of education into universities, arguing that polytechnics have consistently exceeded expectations in producing competent professionals and should be allowed to continue in their original mandate.

Reflecting on Dorben Polytechnic’s achievements, Ekwere highlighted that the institution had successfully trained 76 chartered accountants, proving the capability of polytechnic graduates to excel professionally. “Polytechnic graduates are not second-class citizens. They deserve the same opportunities as university graduates. The NYSC should stop frustrating our students with unnecessary requirements,” he said.