Polytechnics drive industrial growth, not in competition with Varsities

….As over 25 students graduates

The Rector of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Comrade Kehinde Alabi, has said that Polytechnics education was established for developmental purposes particularly to train individuals with practical skills that can drive industrial growth.

Speaking at a press conference to kick-start activities for the 8th Combined Convocation Ceremony of Osun State Polytechnic, Comrade Alabi said that polytechnics and universities are established to focus on different areas of knowledge and skill development.

According to him, ‘the Polytechnics were established for developmental purposes, particularly to train individuals with practical skills that can drive industrial growth. This is why polytechnics were specifically designed to provide hands-on technical education and produce the skilled manpower needed for industrialisation.

“The unhealthy competition between polytechnic and university graduates, even though they are trained for different roles. In advanced countries, polytechnic graduates often earn more than university graduates because they have stronger practical skills and hands-on experience.

“We still need polytechnics because there should be no competition between university and polytechnic graduates. Both systems are essential, as they focus on different areas of knowledge and skill development,” he said.

Also speaking on the programme of activities for combined 8th Convocation Ceremony of the Institution, Comrade Alabi said that 26995 students from the 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 would be graduated.

“On Tuesday 3:00pm there will be a football match at the institution’s sports field. On Wednesday 25th March, 2026 Convocation lecture on a global trending issue: “Entrepreneurship in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities for Wealth Creation and National Development”, will be delivered by a renowned Professor of Business Administration from the Faculty of Management Sciences, Federal University of Oye-Ekiti in the Institution by 10:00am. Later in the day by 5:00pm the Rector’s Cocktail party would hold at the Institution’s Senior Staff Club.

The grand finale would hold on Thursday 26th March, 2026 where Diplomas, Certificates and prizes would be awarded to graduands.

“The visitor to the Institution and Executive Governor of the State, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, is the Father of the Day at the programme while Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, Chairman Pacific Holdings will be the Special Guest of Honour” he said.