Aiyedatiwa renews push for vocational education in Ondo
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education to boost industrial growth and develop a skilled workforce in the state. He gave
- ...breaks 10-year enrolment lull, as over 150 matriculate in Govt College
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education to boost industrial growth and develop a skilled workforce in the state.
He gave the assurance on Thursday at a matriculation ceremony for over 150 newly admitted students of the Government Technical College (GTC), Okitipupa, breaking a decade-long lull in student enrolment.
Speaking at the event held at the college hall, Aiyedatiwa highlighted technical education as a crucial tool to tackle youth unemployment and create skilled jobs in the country.
The governor, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Technical Vocational Education, Ogbeni Tayo Oluyi, reiterated the present administration's resolve to sustain investments in vocational education.
He acknowledged that the development of any nation depends largely on the strength of its skilled workforce.
"As a government, we recognize that the prosperity of Ondo State will be driven not only by policy, but by competent hands and innovative minds trained in our technical institutions," the governor said.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the present administration has initiated more than 10 strategic projects at the college, including the renovation of existing facilities and new construction, and ongoing maintenance to improve the learning environment and upgrade infrastructure.
The governor noted that the interventions were not limited to Okitipupa, adding that similar projects were being implemented across the other four technical colleges in the state as part of efforts to revitalise technical and vocational education.
"These projects, comprising renovation of existing facilities, new construction, and ongoing maintenance, are aimed at improving the learning environment, upgrading infrastructure, and ensuring that students acquire skills that are relevant and globally competitive," he said.
He stressed that the matriculation of over 150 students at the college marked a significant milestone after nearly ten years of low enrolment and declining visibility.
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"It is therefore deeply significant that today, after nearly a decade of low enrolment, Government Technical College, Okitipupa, is matriculating over 150 students across various trades, effectively breaking a ten-year jinx and restoring confidence in technical education within the region.
"This milestone is a clear demonstration that deliberate reforms and sustained attention to technical education are yielding tangible results," he added.
Aiyedatiwa, however, tasked the matriculating students to remain focused and take pride in their chosen crafts as they prepare to contribute meaningfully to society.
Remarking, the Principal of the college, Engr. Faye Omotola described the ceremony as an important milestone in the students’ academic journey.
Omotola commended the governor for his commitment to transforming technical colleges in the state and promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), noting that the initiative had created opportunities for youths to acquire relevant skills and become employable.
Earlier, the Director of School Services at BATVE, Mrs. Ola Adumashi, lauded the state government for upgrading and renovating technical colleges across the state.
She advised the new students to approach their studies with seriousness and determination, and to avoid distractions.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Vice Principal (Administration), Engr. Omotoso Adegbenro, Vice Principal (Academics), Mrs. T. Okeowo, Registrar, Mr. O. Abilogun, the Principal of GTC Okeigbo, Engr. Abiro, BATVE management staff, and parents.