The Acting Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, formerly Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, Dr Mikhail Akinde, has commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, revealing that the institution has received about N32 million to support students.
Akinde said the intervention has helped many students who would otherwise have abandoned their studies due to financial constraints to remain in school and continue their academic pursuits.
He also called on investors within and outside Nigeria to partner with the institution in mass-producing machines fabricated by its staff and students, aimed at reducing capital flight caused by the importation of machinery, particularly for small and medium-scale enterprises.
The vice chancellor spoke on Monday during a media engagement and exhibition of fabricated machines, part of activities lined up for the institution’s 23rd convocation scheduled for Wednesday.
Akinde noted that as the polytechnic transitions into a university, it will continue to prioritise technical education to bridge the country’s technological gap while creating employment opportunities for the growing population.
He stressed the need for institutions to produce graduates with practical skills, rather than relying solely on certificates with limited impact on national development.
Highlighting the innovations on display, Akinde said the exhibition showcased the ingenuity of the institution’s researchers and students.
“This event showcases the incredible work of our talented researchers, innovators, and students, pushing boundaries and driving progress. From cutting-edge tech to impactful solutions, these projects reflect our commitment to excellence and real-world relevance,” he said.
He listed some of the inventions to include solar- and battery-powered tricycles, palm oil digesters, PET bottle shredders, maize dehuskers, defeathering machines, and incubators, noting that they could be mass-produced to reduce import dependence and create jobs.
“Our challenge, however, revolves around getting investors who could partner with us for the mass production of several of these machines. We are using this medium to seek investors to join forces with us in deploying technology to create wealth for the nation,” he added.
Akinde further lauded the impact of NELFUND, stating that about 233 students of the institution had benefited from the N32 million disbursed.
“I can tell you that NELFUND is actually impacting the lives of students. In the exams we were about to conclude, many students would have been denied the opportunity to sit for them. We captured the names of those already registered under NELFUND, and they were able to write their exams,” he said.
“We are really grateful for the thoughtfulness of President Tinubu. It shows how genuinely concerned he is about ensuring that no Nigerian is denied access to higher education.”
The vice chancellor added that the institution would honour Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Radda, who will deliver the convocation lecture; the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja; and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, for their contributions to national development.
Earlier, the Director of Research and Development, Dr S.A. Odunlami, described the exhibition as a reflection of the transformative power of research and innovation in addressing real-world challenges.
“The projects showcased here reflect not only technical competence but also the vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our participants. From groundbreaking prototypes to practical solutions with immediate societal impact, each exhibit demonstrates the vital role of innovation in driving sustainable development and economic growth,” he said.
Punch
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