Resist temptation to convert polytechnics into Universities – Varsity Don
Drawing some points from the Thirty Seventh Inaugural Lecture Series of the Nasarawa State University Keffi as presented by Professor Eugene Tarkende Aliegba, as part of recommendation that could Fast-track development in Nigeria to march the South Korean development, the university don suggested total stoppage in converting polytechnics into universities.
Professor Eugene Aliegba is a professor of political economy and development studies , faculty of social sciences in his paper presentation he titles ; The Development State and Industrialization In Nigeria , Lessons From South Korea, took place at the Assembly Hall Nasarawa State University Keffi, on Wednesday.
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He urges the federal government to as a matter of advancing in technical and vocational education to stop the policy on converting polytechnics into universities, stating that “If you convert colleges of education to universities, you upgrade them , but if you convert polytechnics into universities, you downgrade them.
Buttressing his point further , he said in 2017 China converted 600 universities , polytechnics to show how they value technical education.
“If we want to be among the next 20-30 countries of the world we must change our attitude towards technical and vocational education.
“That is what South Korea did and it is where it is today. South Korea made technical training a key factor in industrial success. South Korean’s largest city was made to house the establishment of the Busan National Mechanical School, established in 1967 as a model school to develop technicians who were to man Korean industries” He posited.
The university don in drawing out a conclusion to his inaugural lecture, made specific strategies Nigeria can learn from south Korea industrial experience ,that included Strategic Planning and Consistency in policy, Research and Development,Technological Transfer and Licensing and The role of the indigenous Bourgeoisie as recommendations.
In a separate interview former Governor of Benue State Senator Dr Gabriel Suswam said the lecture wouldn’t had been presented by none other person but the guest lecturer who has so suggested far reaching was at which Nigeria as a country can be develop like her other counterparts in Europe.
Senator Gabriel Suswam said he was very excited listening to the lecture and very sure that everyone would leave the venue a better informed person.
“What was discussed here in the lecture can be harness if we have committed leaders , it is possible to to attained development with the right attitude” Senator Gabriel said.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor , professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed , represented by the deputy vice chancellor academic professor Abdullahi Moddibo , said he has no doubt in professor Eugene whose intellectual capacity influence to human development has added value to the development of the Nasarawa State University.
“It is in this light that I want to call on you all to listen to the lectures as he attempt to unravel policies for industrial development which has south Korea as a case study in order to inject ways of harnessing our national development” He stated.
