By Gabriel Dike
Igbajo Polytechnic, Igbajo, Osun State, is the first community-owned polytechnic in Nigeria. The natives established the polytechnic in 2005. The Education Report recently met with the rector, M.A. Okandeji, in his office. He narrated the history of the institution, its focus and challenges. Excerpts:
As the first community polytechnic established in Nigeria, what has been its impact?
Igbajo Polytechnic, Igbajo, has lived up to expectations. It has challenged other communities to develop their systems, not just in the area of education. Igbajo has served as example to them. Many of them, when they come here, they are marvelled with what they see on ground.
Principally, Igbajo Polytechnic has brought qualitative and affordable technical and vocational education closer to Nigerians. The institution has lived up to the dreams of its founding fathers.
What kind of graduates is the polytechnic producing?
The polytechnic embodies its motto, “Practical knowledge for sustainable development,” by emphasising the production of graduates with practical skills applicable to various industrial sectors of the economy. The institution is committed to equipping students with hands-on expertise that can be directly implemented in real-world settings.
By prioritising practical knowledge and relevant research, Igbajo Polytechnic aims to contribute to sustainable development by nurturing graduates who possess the necessary skills to thrive in the industrial sector and by conducting research that addresses the challenges and needs of both the immediate environment and the wider world.
What informed the setting up of a building here dedicated to entrepreneurship trainin?
Our focus on entrepreneurship training is aimed at fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students, encouraging them to think creatively, identify opportunities and take the initiative to establish their own ventures. Igbajo Polytechnic believes in empowering students to become job creators rather than mere job seekers.
Igbajo Polytechnic is dedicated to producing graduates who are not only well equipped for the industrial sector but are also capable of becoming successful entrepreneurs and employers of labour in their respective fields.
How do you think polytechnics can be attractive to students?
In our own case, as an institution, we believe our best form of advert is our product. Having prepared them very well while their studentship lasts, we showcase and celebrate the successes of our alumni as a way of encouraging the current students and entice prospective students.
For how long would polytechnic education remain second or third choice for students seeking tertiary education in the country?
Polytechnic education will remain second choice so long as Nigeria fails to be an industrialised nation and so long as policymakers pay lip service to implementing a career path that will make polytechnic graduates reach the peak.
How far have you gone with the implementation of your vision for the polytechnic?
My vision is to transform Igbajo Polytechnic to a self-sustaining and more attractive brand. We still rely on the board of trustees and governing council for capital projects. However, we have taken some giant leaps that, if sustained, the polytechnic will in no distant future attain self-sustainability.
To make the polytechnic a more attractive brand, we are pursuing a collaborative approach with industries vigorously. By actively engaging with industries, we believe we can foster a stronger connection between academia and the professional world. Such partnerships will not only benefit the students but also enable the institution to regularly align its curriculum and programmes with the needs and trends of the industries.
What are the challenges hampering your vision for the school?
Power supply from the distribution company is a serious challenge! Our polytechnic community needs stable power supply to support the optimal functioning of our laboratories, workshops, studios, digital classrooms, e-library and offices.
Although we have some isolated solar-powered inverters for some of our critical infrastructure such as the e-library, we still rely heavily on diesel and petrol-powered generators. I need not say this seriously affects our operational cost.
What efforts are being put in place to reach out to corporate bodies to assist in developing the institution?
We are doing our best in reaching out. I must say that the little support we get majorly comes from Igbajo indigenes and their friends.
Are polytechnics still producing the middle manpower needs of the country?
Yes, polytechnics in Nigeria continue to play a crucial role in producing graduates who meet the middle-level manpower needs of the country. These institutions focus on providing practical and technical education, equipping students with skills that are directly applicable to various industries and sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Polytechnic graduates often fill the middle-level positions in engineering, technology, business and other vocational areas, contributing to the development and growth of the nation.
What do you think makes this polytechnic different from others?
Igbajo Polytechnic is unique in many ways. The entire community owns it! This makes every student; staff and visitor to the polytechnic feel at home. The board of trustees, peopled by successful academics, professionals and captains of industry, represents the owners. It is run by a committed governing council made up of seasoned academics and administrators. The governing bodies regularly meet with the management to ensure the polytechnic is run in alignment with global best practices.
You yourself can attest to the fact that our environment is conducive for learning.
What legacy do you intend to leave behind?
I want to leave a legacy of someone that comes to this school and contributes my own quota to the advancement of the institution.