The Rector, ED-John Institute of Management and Technology, Lagos, Rev. Emmanuel Kayode, has called on the government and policymakers to create a better policy environment for polytechnic graduates.
Delivering the first convocation lecture themed “Celebrating Excellence, Innovation and Enterprise for National Development,” Rev Kayode noted that polytechnic graduates are ready to contribute to national development, but require an enabling environment to operate.
Rev. Kayode called for targeted tax incentives for youth-led startups, access to low-interest finance, and robust infrastructure development, particularly power and digital connectivity, to help small businesses survive.
He advised the graduating students to commit to excellence, cultivate an innovative mindset, embrace entrepreneurship, serve the nation by using their skills to address Nigerian problems, and commit to lifelong learning to keep pace with rapid technological trends.
In the valedictorian speech, Adewoye described the graduates as trailblazers who had no seniors or existing culture and had to create their own path.
Speaking on the National Diploma awarded, she argued that the dichotomy against the ND certificate is misplaced, stating that it represents hands-on training, grit, and resilience, and that holders are problem solvers through sustainable development.
The founder of the Polytechnic, Dr. Osaren Emokpae, spoke on the need for inclusiveness in tackling the nation’s insecurity crisis, warning that exclusion could lead to revolt.
He urged the awardees to develop themselves through technology and embrace Artificial Intelligence. He also stressed the importance of reading to liberate the mind through insight and wisdom.
On morality, he stated that a degree combines competence with character, noting that a failure to keep time shows a lack of moral soundness and advised the graduates to be the light and not let the world consume them, describing morality as critical for progress in life.
He concluded by saying the students had opened new frontiers. Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph on the reduction of JAMB cut-off marks, Dr. Emokpae said he had no issue with cut-off marks, noting that some of the brightest people today, like Richard Branson and Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, the doyen of advertising in Nigeria, did not attend university.
He said the focus should be on the quality of instruction, infrastructure provided, and security of students, adding that everyone has the potential to be great if placed in the right environment. Chairman of the Board of Directors for LAPO Microfinance, Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, also addressed the dichotomy against the ND certificate.
He said the most important steps for any developing nation are to redesign the educational system to focus on skills acquisition, adding that the skills taught by polytechnics, which lead to ND and HND, are at the core of developing a skill set for young people and should therefore be prioritized.
He described the dichotomy between HND and degree holders as superfluous, adding that what is real and can aid development is prioritizing technical education and skills acquisition with improved funding.
The overall best graduating student, Miss Mgbemena Praise, advised students to remain focused on their studies and be diligent.
The institution also announced plans to expand its library to accommodate its already approved university status. Present at the event was the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Iyi Uwadiae, among others.
