Alumni urge FG to bridge B.Sc, HND dichotomy

The Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti Alumni Association has called on the Federal Government to upgrade all polytechnics and bridge the Higher National Diploma and Bachelor of Science dichotomy.

The association’s National President, Dr Oyedokun Abiodun, made the appeal on Saturday during the second Annual General Meeting of FEDPAA, held online.

The meeting had the theme “Polytechnic Education and Alumni Engagement: Catalysts for Human Capital Development and a Resilient Economy.”

Abiodun said, “Upgrading polytechnics to degree-awarding status and finally breaking the B.Sc/HND dichotomy will stand as a truly remarkable and unforgettable landmark achievement in the history of Nigeria’s technological education.”

Abiodun urged the government to approve the transition of all polytechnics to degree-awarding institutions and phase out Higher National Diploma programmes, making the National Diploma the minimum requirement for seamless progression into Bachelor of Technology programmes.

“We also request that the cherished name of our institutions remain ‘polytechnic.’ We appreciate the government for the commendable strides made in the education sector,” he added.

Highlighting the alumni association’s contributions, Abiodun noted initiatives such as the construction of hostels and other institutional support.

“Our commitment to our alma mater is visible in our construction of hostels and various forms of support. We have indeed done well in these areas,” he said, encouraging members to continually develop relevant skills, stressing that “our conduct and achievements are our most potent tools for advocacy.”

The guest speaker, Dr Simbo Popoola, described polytechnic education as “a key driver of national industrialisation, provider of job-ready skills for engineering, ICT, agriculture, and manufacturing, supporter of MSME growth and entrepreneurship.”

He urged alumni to “evolve faster, keep improving yourself, take the lead, shape the future, and let excellence be your signature.”

The Rector of the institution, Dr Temitope Alake, emphasised the crucial role of alumni in sustaining polytechnic education.

“Let us lend our voices and hands to causes that improve polytechnic education. In doing so, we shall not only save the sector, we shall save our nation,” he said, commending the association’s leadership for its impact on institutional development.

The Chairman of the FEDPAA Board of Trustees, Dr Oluwatoyin Alabi, described the AGM as a reaffirmation of collective commitment to the growth and relevance of the polytechnic.

“As alumni, we are custodians of a proud legacy. Our institution shaped our skills, values, and aspirations. It is our shared responsibility to ensure The Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti continues to thrive as a centre producing graduates who will compete and excel anywhere in the world,” he said.