The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Dr Temitope Alake, has called for greater emphasis on skill-based education and stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry to address the growing skills gap in Nigeria’s engineering workforce.
Alake said the rapid pace of technological advancement and the increasing complexity of modern industries had widened the gap between academic training and the practical skills required by employers.
He made the call while delivering a lecture titled, “The Nexus Between Electronic Engineering and National Development: The Imperative of Skill Qualification Network,” as part of the 27th Prof. E.K. Obiakor Lecture Series organised by the institution.
The rector said electronic engineering remained critical to Nigeria’s technological advancement, infrastructure development and economic growth, but noted that its potential could only be fully realised through deliberate policies focused on practical skills development.
“Electronic Engineering is undeniably intertwined with national development, acting as a pivotal enabler of technological innovation, infrastructure modernisation and economic growth,” Alake said.
He added that the sector required institutional frameworks capable of producing graduates whose competencies matched the evolving needs of industry.
According to him, Nigeria needs a comprehensive skill qualification framework for electronic engineering that combines academic knowledge with practical industry competencies, continuous professional development and collaboration among educational institutions, industry stakeholders and policymakers.
He warned that failure to establish such a system could deepen skills shortages, slow technological development and lead to the underutilisation of Nigeria’s human capital.
Alake urged policymakers to develop and institutionalise national skill qualification frameworks that are industry-informed, competency-based and internationally benchmarked.
He also called on educators to review engineering curricula to incorporate emerging technologies and practical training through project-based and experimental learning.
The rector further encouraged educational institutions to establish stronger partnerships with industry players to provide students with internships, hands-on training and opportunities to solve real-world problems.
He urged industry leaders to invest more in employee training and professional development while partnering with universities, polytechnics and government agencies to promote research, innovation and the commercialisation of technological solutions.
Alake also appealed for increased government funding for polytechnic education through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, stressing that technical and vocational education required adequate investment in laboratories, equipment and other practical facilities.
He advocated the establishment of centres of excellence and innovation hubs to strengthen advanced technical training, applied research, technology transfer and entrepreneurship.
According to him, engineering curricula must also keep pace with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, 5G communications and renewable energy.
The rector said the future of electronic engineering was increasingly linked to digitalisation, automation and the global push for sustainable development, making it imperative for Nigeria to prepare a technically skilled workforce capable of driving these transformations.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Maureen Etebu, described the lecture as enlightening and rewarding.
Etebu said the presentation had expanded her understanding of electronic engineering and demonstrated the critical role the discipline could play in Nigeria’s technological and socio-economic development.
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