As part of the legislative efforts to improve Polytechnic and Technical Education in Nigeria, the Federal House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has paid a visit to the Federal Polytechnic Offa for its oversight function on Monday 14 October 2024.

The House Committee led by Honorable Fuad Kayode representing Surulere 1 Lagos State were received by the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin FNSE and other principal officers of the Polytechnic at the institution’s Main Campus.

While addressing the press, Honorable Fuad said the oversight exercise is to carry out a performance check and stretch hands of partnership to the institution. He noted the purpose of the Committee as one to improve and build better environment for the Polytechnic Community.

According to him,” The 10th Assembly has been moving interesting and productive bills to improve the Polytechnic sector. Other Polytechnics also come up with same funding issue; as a committee, we intend to make a case in the next year budget and the coming years to improve the Polytechnic funding.”

He therefore commended the management of the Polytechnic, led by the Rector, for the initiative and moves to generate alternative power for the Polytechnic.

“I commend the Federal Polytechnic Offa for working on how to off the grid and generate source for the school, which is a laudable project and impressive one. If our support is needed in achieving that, we will definitely support them,” he said.

Earlier in his opening address, the Rector acknowledged the Honorable Members from the House of Representatives for their painstaking efforts to visit the Polytechnic for an oversight exercise which aims to improve the Polytechnic sector in Nigeria.

Engr. Dr. Kadiri stated that the Polytechnic is a major sector that can move the nation forward in terms of technological advancements and should not be neglected.

While expressing optimism for better Polytechnic education in Nigeria, the Rector preached cordial relationship with the House Committee on improved funding, facility, infrastructure, and intervention for the Polytechnics.

Speaking on challenges, Dr. Kadiri noted paucity of funds as a major challenge retarding the growth of the Polytechnic sector in Nigeria. He attributed the initiative of the management to off national grid and generate power to the humongous bills of 11 million Naira per month to settle power, which is not sustainable for the Polytechnic.

The Rector equally highlighted the efforts of the management to boost its Internally Generated Revenue by moving the Polytechnic from consumption to production of basic commodities.

While assuring the House Committee to work on areas noted for amendment, the Rector passed a vote of confidence on Hon. Fuad Kayode led Committee as the birth of new era for Polytechnic education in Nigeria.

Dr. Kadiri also urges the Government to grant Polytechnic approval to award degree in order to scrap the lingering issue of dichotomy between the HND and Bsc in Nigeria.