Reps to increase budgetary allocations for Federal Polytechnics in 2025 budget
Nov. 20, 2024
The House of Representatives say it will increase the budgetary allocations for Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria in the 2025 budget.
Presenting the motion, Aguye noted that Polytechnics were established to produce middle-level manpower and technical skills in engineering and technology.
He added that they also provide highly skilled technical knowledge to give training and impact necessary skills for the production of technicians, technologists and other skilled personnel.
Aguye argued that in spite of rapid expansion and changes in the world of technology, polytechnic education is yet to be accorded due recognition in the country.
He said that most of these institutions were faced with multi-faceted challenges such as a lack of training facilities and inadequately qualified human resources.
Others, he said, include obsolete laboratories and workshops for practical activities and outdated curriculum that is devoid of 21st century skills requirements, among others.
He said, in spite of the number of polytechnics in Nigeria, technical jobs across several sectors, especially oil and gas as well as maritime sectors, are not manned by Nigerians.
This, according to him, is a result of the skill gap among polytechnic graduates.
He expressed worry about inadequate funding of federal polytechnics in Nigeria, as some are being converted into universities.
He added that China took drastic steps to convert about 600 universities to polytechnics.
According to him, funding of polytechnic education will help bolster the country’s technological development.
He added that it would reduce heavy importation and dependency, bringing growth and development that developed countries have attained in different sectors of the global economy.
This, he said, was due to technological advancement, adding that polytechnics were the backbone of the technical education system and 1T order to meet the evolving demands of the economy.
“We must significantly increase our investment in polytechnic education,” he said.
Adopting the motion, the House urges the Federal Ministry of Education to increase the funding of Federal Polytechnics in Nigeria.
The House also mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance (NAN).