Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Ogun, has identified Technical and Vocational Education as an avenue to help Nigeria realising a sustainable economic transformation.
Arigbabu made this assertions on Thursday at the induction of new corporate members and public lecture organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Abeokuta branch, held in Abeokuta.
The programme was tagged: “Repositioning of Technical Education for Economic Rejuvenation”.
Arigbabu described the event as a veritable platform to sensitise the public about the existence, purpose, prospect and economic advantages embedded in technical and vocational education.
He said that the sub-sector was capable of providing skilled manpower needed for the development of the society.
The commissioner said that technical education prepared people, especially youths, to work as a skilled technicians, secure their future and enhance their transition to lifelong opportunities.
Arigbabu said that it also helped in reducing crime rates and social vices among the youths.
“It is a fact that technical and vocational education remains key ingredient for the overall wellbeing of any nation which must be accorded with critical attention it deserves.
“It is capable of creating a million jobs that can lead to sustainable economic development in our society,” he said.
The commissioner said that Gov. Dapo Abiodun-led administration had prioritised the area in education developmental plans.
He assured people that the state government would not renege on its promise to provide free and qualitative technical education in a more conducive learning atmosphere.
Earlier, Kolawole Olonade, the Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Abeokuta branch, said that technical education was a vital tool in economic revitalisation.
Olonade promised that the body was ready to partner with the state government by coming up with professional advice that could engender successful implementation of its infrastructure agenda.
Speaking on behalf of other inductees, Mr Adesegun Fatoki, said that for technical education to be properly encouraged, discrimination between the certified Engineers and the artisans should be discouraged. (NAN)
