The Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Engr. Temitope Alake has said that the HND/ BSc dichotomy is affecting enrolment into Higher Diploma courses in the institution.
Speaking at a press briefing to commemorate his first anniversary in office as the seventh substantive Rector, Alake lamented that many higher classes have become shadow of themselves in the Polytechnic as Ordinary Diploma certificate holders now prefer to seek admission into the university.
Alake said the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), as a professional body, was not helping matters on the age long discrimination against HND holders.
“We now have fewer students in our various higher diploma classes. Many of our ordinary diploma prefer to go for direct entry into the university since they don’t want to be seen as inferior graduates,” Alake said.
He equally charged Nigerians to embrace vocational skills, stressing that the digital economy is reducing the need for manpower.
Alake said the institution was committed to training students on vocational skills, so that they can be self reliant and job creators.
The rector explained that the polytechnic was collaborating with the School of Agriculture to reduce food scarcity, as the country is currently challenged by economic downturn.
He called on well-meaning Nigerians to donate tractors and support the institution, while also appealing to parents and guardians to allow their children acquire sellable skills.
