Makinde Renews Pledge to Education Sector, Targets Global Competitiveness for Students

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has restated his administration's unwavering resolve to overhaul the state’s education sector, promising sustained investments aimed at improving learning outcomes and ensuring institutional stability. Speaking on Friday at the graduation ceremony of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, the Governor emphasized that his government’s strategy goes beyond mere funding; it encompasses a holistic approach to capacity building, infrastructure development, and curriculum relevance. He noted that the ultimate goal is to produce graduates who possess not just certificates, but the requisite skills to compete favorably in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
​Reflecting on the trajectory of the sector since his assumption of office, Governor Makinde highlighted the significant leap in budgetary provisions for education. He recalled that upon taking the reins of leadership six years ago, the allocation to education hovered between 17 and 21 percent. However, through deliberate policy actions, his administration has consistently prioritized the sector, recognizing it as the bedrock of sustainable development. This fiscal commitment, he argued, is now yielding tangible results in the form of improved academic performance and a more conducive learning environment across state-owned institutions.
​A critical aspect of the Governor’s address focused on the human resource challenges plagueing tertiary institutions. He acknowledged the deficits in manpower but assured stakeholders that the government is actively addressing these gaps through regular recruitment exercises and continuous staff training programs. By bolstering the workforce, the administration aims to maintain high teaching standards and ensure that students receive mentorship from well-equipped and motivated educators. This, he stated, is essential for repositioning institutions like The Polytechnic, Ibadan, to meet international standards.
​Governor Makinde also issued a charge to the graduating students, urging them to become ambassadors of innovation and resilience. "The world will not wait for anyone," he cautioned, challenging them to leverage the skills acquired during their academic pursuit to carve a niche for themselves. He expressed satisfaction that the institution’s curriculum ensures no student graduates without learning a vocational skill, a policy designed to foster self-reliance and reduce dependence on white-collar jobs. To further encourage excellence, the Governor announced a N5 million cash gift for the best graduating students, alongside other prizes for outstanding performers in various departments.
​Furthermore, the Governor touched on the systemic issues differentiating polytechnics and universities in Nigeria. He referenced the United Kingdom’s model, where the dichotomy between the two tiers of higher education has been effectively bridged by converting polytechnics into degree-awarding institutions. Makinde suggested that Nigeria’s educational policymakers would be judged favorably by history if they adopted similar progressive reforms, thereby ending the long-standing discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders.
​In his concluding remarks, Governor Makinde commended the management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, for their cooperation in maintaining industrial harmony and academic stability. He assured them that his door remains open for collaborative efforts to further elevate the institution. The event served as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between the state government and the academic community, reinforcing the administration's narrative that education remains a top priority in the "Omituntun" agenda for Oyo State’s transformation.