By Gabriel Dike
The Rectors of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Dr. Mukail Ayinde and ace broadcaster and Group Controller, Current and Public Affairs, TVC Communications Ltd, Mr. Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, have advocated for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into technical education to enhance the training of skilled manpower.
The trio spoke at a public lecture, titled: “Technical Education and National Development: The Place of AI, Its Credibility, Trust, and Transparency,” held at YABATECH Yusuf Grillo Auditorium, in honour of Dr. Omobayo Taofeek Raheem, immediate past Director of the Centre for Information, Communication and Public Relations (CICPR) and former Deputy Rector of the college.
Kolade-Otitoju, who was represented by the Managing Editor and Chief Executive Officer, Premium Eagle Media, Mr. Dotun Oladipupo, expressed concern over the national obsession with certificates over capabilities.
His added: “In Nigeria, practical skills are undervalued. We must begin to shift from paper qualifications to practical competencies. Technical education offers a viable alternative, equipping youths with the hands-on expertise, the economy desperately needed.”
The ace broadcaster appealed to President Bola Tinubu to sign the bill abolishing the dichotomy between HND and BSc, and urged increased funding for polytechnics nationwide. He also called for the revitalization of technical college to boost the production of skilled personnel.
The chairman of the lecture and Rector, Federal Polytechnic, IIaro, Dr. Mukail Akinde, stressed that technical education must evolve to include emerging technologies like AI.
According to him, technical education, unlike general education, is career-oriented, which allows students to gain job-specific skills that are in demand by the industries.
“Nations that have strong technical education tend to be more productive and have higher standards of living due to the availability of skilled professionals in major sectors.
“The responsible integration of AI into technical education can be a huge contribution to national development; however, it is required to be done with great care,” Akinde noted.
In his address, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr Abdul described the lecture as both a tribute and a strategic forum, adding, “we are gathered to celebrate a man of repute and, at the same time, reflect on a subject that is of immense importance to national development.”
He explained that the future of education, especially technical education is inseparably linked to technology, and most notably, artificial intelligence.
Abdul said that beyond policy and pedagogy, the event served to honour Dr. Raheem for his years of service to the college and his leadership of CICPR.
His words: “This event is a reaffirmation of our commitment to excellence,” as “Dr. Raheem leaves a legacy of principled leadership and unwavering dedication.”
The YABATECH helmsman described him as a mentor, visionary, and bridge-builder whose tenure strengthened the institution’s communication strategy and academic visibility.
The rector revealed that YABATECH has consistently championed the role of technical and vocational education in nation building.
“We are fully aware that the future of education, particularly in the technical sphere, is inseparably linked to technology itself most notably, Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“AI is transforming the landscape of teaching, learning, industry, and governance. It is enabling smart solutions, automating systems, and reshaping how we train future professionals,’’ he stressed.