The Acting Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, formerly Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, Dr Mikhail Akinde, has commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, revealing that the institution has received about N32 million to support students.
Akinde said the intervention has helped many students who would otherwise have abandoned their studies due to financial constraints to remain in school and continue their academic pursuits.
He also called on investors within and outside Nigeria to partner with the institution in mass-producing machines fabricated by its staff and students, aimed at reducing capital flight caused by the importation of machinery, particularly for small and medium-scale enterprises.
The vice chancellor spoke on Monday during a media engagement and exhibition of fabricated machines, part of activities lined up for the institution’s 23rd convocation scheduled for Wednesday.
Akinde noted that as the polytechnic transitions into a university, it will continue to prioritise technical education to bridge the country’s technological gap while creating employment opportunities for the growing population.
He stressed the need for institutions to produce graduates with practical skills, rather than relying solely on certificates with limited impact on national development.
Highlighting the innovations on display, Akinde said the exhibition showcased the ingenuity of the institution’s researchers and students.
