Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Advocates for the Abolition of the HND Programme

Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, reflects on the institution’s progress, challenges, and future directions in an insightful interview with Gabriel Oshokha. In the conversation, he discusses the ongoing evolution of the polytechnic, the HND-BSc debate, the impact of Artificial Intelligence, and other pressing matters.

Your experience as the pioneer Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede has been quite significant. Could you share some of your experiences?

It has been a challenging but rewarding journey. As the pioneer rector, there were many hurdles, especially in the early stages. For the first four years, we had no infrastructure in place, and we were responsible for setting up our offices. Furthermore, there was a salary delay from March to December 2021, which caused some difficulties. However, through the support of various stakeholders, hard work, and perseverance, we achieved several milestones by 2022, including the construction of an administrative building and the establishment of our current site. We are also grateful to the National Youth Development Centre, who previously occupied our temporary campus.

How did you go about recruiting staff, and when did academic activities commence?

We started by engaging with several federal agencies, including the Head of Service, the Federal Character Commission, the Budget Office, and the Accountant-General’s Office. Once we received approval, we hired around 150 staff in 2022. Subsequently, we approached the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for accreditation. Initially, we sought approval for 12 programmes, but NBTE granted approval for four, which was a significant boost compared to other polytechnics. Our academic activities began in July 2022.

We aim to offer graduates two certifications: one in an academic discipline and the other in vocational skills. Our focus is on entrepreneurship, ensuring our graduates don’t face unemployment after finishing their studies. We’re already seeing success, with a student securing employment even before graduation. Our long-term goal is to compete with the best polytechnics in the country.

What support have you received from TeTFund, and how has it impacted the polytechnic?

We are extremely grateful for the support from President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Education, and TeTFund’s leadership under Arc. Sonny Echono. TeTFund’s assistance has been invaluable, from funding the construction of a 250-seater auditorium at our temporary site to facilitating projects at our permanent site. Additionally, TeTFund has sponsored numerous faculty members for PhD and Master’s programmes and has helped fund research. We’ve made significant strides with TeTFund’s help, including securing funding for faculty training and research opportunities.

Do you support the idea of parity between polytechnic and university graduates in terms of career progression?

Absolutely. I believe in the parity between Higher National Diploma (HND) holders and Bachelor’s degree holders. In many advanced countries, vocational skills are prioritized, which contributes significantly to technological progress. China’s rise, for instance, is largely due to its focus on vocational training. We’ve been too focused on paper qualifications, and this has hindered progress. In developed countries, polytechnic graduates often receive Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees rather than HNDs. Even the UK has phased out the HND. I believe it’s time Nigeria followed suit and shifted focus from degrees to skills.

What societal impact do you believe the parity would have once implemented?

Achieving parity between HND holders and degree holders would have a profound positive impact on society. Historically, polytechnic graduates have excelled in practical, hands-on skills. Unfortunately, due to societal bias, polytechnic students often just aim for the National Diploma or HND without fully tapping into their potential. Polytechnics should focus on training skilled manpower that can contribute directly to economic development, rather than perpetuating the divide based on academic credentials.

What are the institution’s immediate needs for intervention?

Our most urgent need right now is improving the road network to our permanent site. Despite having several buildings at the site, they remain unused due to poor road access. If the government could assist in linking the site to Ogbomoso and nearby areas, that would significantly help. The current temporary site is becoming overcrowded, and we’re in dire need of more classrooms and offices.

How is your institution preparing for the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence in various industries?

We are actively embracing technological innovations, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). Thanks to TeTFund’s support in ICT, our polytechnic is well-equipped in this regard. Just a few weeks ago, we organized an AI lecture for our students, led by a professor from LAUTECH, to spark their interest in the field. We are ensuring our students are well-versed in the latest technological trends.

What steps are you taking to address the electricity generation challenges that impact industrial growth in Nigeria?

Power generation remains a major issue, but we are focusing on solar energy as a solution. With the support of the Rural Electrification Agency, we have installed solar-powered lights at both our temporary and permanent sites. Although we’ve explored connecting to the national grid, we are increasingly relying on solar energy, as it’s cost-effective and sustainable. Our library and administration building are already powered by solar, and we aim to expand this initiative.

Regarding the recent media reports about a building collapse at your institution, what is the truth?

There seems to have been some misunderstanding. No building collapsed at either our temporary or permanent site. What happened was a structural failure of a cantilever during construction, but it didn’t affect any completed buildings. The structure in question was still under construction, and integrity tests have confirmed the safety of all our buildings. I encourage journalists to conduct independent investigations to clarify this situation.

How is the relationship between the institution and the surrounding community?

We have maintained excellent relationships with the community, both at the temporary site and in Ayede. Our interactions with the local leadership, including the Soun of Ogbomoso and other traditional rulers, have been supportive. We’ve also adhered to the federal character principle in our staffing, and we’re committed to ensuring balanced representation from various parts of the country.

What is your stance on research and capacity building at the institution?

Research and capacity building are central to our mission. Since our inception in 2021, we’ve supported 32 staff members with TeTFund research grants, and we’ve encouraged them to pursue innovative projects that will benefit society. We’ve also invested in equipment fabrication, with 12 staff beneficiaries. The emphasis on international and local sponsorships has helped develop our faculty and contributed to the broader academic and industrial community.

When do you plan to move into the permanent site?

We initially planned to move in by December 2024, but due to road access issues, we’re now aiming for September 2025. We’ve been in discussions with the Federal Ministry of Works and the Oyo State government to address the road concerns. Despite the delays, we’re confident that, with the right support, we can transition to the permanent site soon.