Students in Ogun State have commended the state government’s ongoing efforts to revamp technical colleges, describing the initiative as a crucial step toward addressing the rising demand for skilled labor.
They believe the rehabilitation of technical institutions will not only enhance technical education but also produce a workforce capable of meeting both local and international market demands.
The students noted that the move would boost enrollment, improve learning conditions, and enable them to compete effectively with their peers nationwide. They also emphasized that upgrading technical colleges would help bridge the skills gap across the country.
This comes after the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Abayomi Arigbabu, announced that the state had commenced the rehabilitation of technical colleges to encourage more students to pursue technical education.
In a joint statement on Monday, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Ogun State Joint Campus Committee, Gabriel Francis, and the National President of the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS), Kehinde Thomas, praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for prioritizing technical education.
They described the initiative as a bold and timely step toward revitalizing state-owned technical colleges, which they said would significantly improve students’ technical skills and practical knowledge.
“The ongoing rehabilitation work and the upgrading of facilities would enhance practical learning, foster creativity, and provide a conducive environment for academic excellence,” the statement read.
The student leaders added that the improved technical colleges would increase graduates’ employability and equip them with the skills needed for entrepreneurial ventures across various industries.
They applauded the government’s efforts, stating that the initiative was a timely response to the growing need for technical expertise in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
“NAOSS and NANS want to commend the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, for his administration’s move to revamp technical colleges across the state. This move is not only right but timely, especially now that technical manpower and skills are in high demand,” they added.
However, the students also called on Governor Abiodun to strengthen security around tertiary institutions in the state. They expressed concerns over the increasing threat of student abductions by kidnappers targeting campuses, urging the government to take proactive measures to protect students and staff.
As the rehabilitation continues, stakeholders and students alike remain optimistic that the revitalization of technical colleges will play a key role in shaping a future-ready workforce while fostering innovation and economic growth in Ogun State.