Polytechnic

Following the Federal Government’s employment embargo, the country’s polytechnics are experiencing a shortage of academic staff, raising worries among stakeholders.

Already, officials from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Nigeria’s regulatory authority for polytechnics, who visited several institutions for evaluation and quality assurance, stated that the majority of schools failed accreditation due to a severe scarcity of required manpower.

Additionally, a senior NBTE official, who requested anonymity while bemoaning the impact of the Federal Government’s embargo on employment, stated that under the regulatory body’s normative instruments, the availability of the correct mix of workers is a critical necessity.

Investigations at the board’s headquarters in Kaduna revealed that stakeholders in the sub-sector, including the NBTE’s Executive Secretary, Prof Idris Bugaje, and the Committee of Federal Rectors (COFER), have written to the Education Minister, Adamu Adamu, and the Federation’s Head of Civil Service, seeking intervention.

Specifically, the NBTE leader bemoaned in a letter to the Federation’s Head of Service that the sector is currently suffering from an insufficient supply of technical staff as a result of the government’s failure to replace individuals who had left service.

He emphasized that the embargo is having an effect on currently running training programs. Bugaje cautioned that if polytechnics were not permitted to replace departing employees, the quality of TVET products would suffer and they would be unable to roll out new ones.

In a separate letter dated October 7, 2021, and sent to Adamu Adamu, the minister of education, Bugaje urged him to support the federal polytechnics’ need for replacement staff.

He added that the majority of institutions may lose accreditation as a result of their incapacity to replace retiring or exiting staff.

Meanwhile, the Committee of Federal Rectors (COFER) expressed concern in its letter of appeal that the hiring embargo could deprive the national economy of critical technically qualified workers.

They voiced worry that the majority of universities are stagnant due to a lack of qualified faculty.

When contacted, Bugaje verified the development, which he described as concerning because the sector risks reversing years of growth.

Bugaje pleaded on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene immediately and reclassify polytechnics as part of the health sector, in order to lift the employment embargo and save the sector from collapse.

This is to inform the general public and potential applicants that the Federal Polytechnic of Ado’s administration has announced the institution’s cut-off mark for the academic session 2021/2022.

The cut-off points for the various courses are listed below;

Cut-off points for Fed Poly, Ado ND departments for the 2021/2022 session

Note:  Applicants of Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti who recently did change of Institution and scored 150 and above should forward the following;

(1) JAMB SCORE

(ii) O’LEVEL RESULT

(iii)DEPARTMENT

to ict@fedpolyado.edu.ng

Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Imo State has provided delight and happiness to certain Nigerians by inventing the country’s first electric car with over 90% indigenous material.

The vehicle is primarily powered by a solar panel, which eliminates the need for fossil fuels. The automobile, which is the result of years of research, operates without an engine but has all of the other characteristics of a car. Engr Pius Nwosu of the Polytechnic’s Department of Mechanical Engineering is leading a team of engineers who invented the car. He is also an alumni of the college.

When the electric automobile was unveiled at the Polytechnic’s Engineering workshop, the Rector, Engr Dr Michael Arimanwa, praised Engr Nwosu and his team for doing the Polytechnic proud. He also lauded the team’s unshakable devotion to completing the mammoth endeavor, vowing to provide them with all required assistance in gaining the invention’s vital visibility.

The Rector said, “The polytechnic will take this project to the Inov-8 hub, which is connected to the Skill G Innovation Centre Abuja, so that potential investors from all over the world may view it and invest substantially in it.” From there, the Federal Government can take over and include it in the budget through the Ministry of Science and Technology.”

To further motivate the project’s main engineer, the Rector declared that the Polytechnic will issue him a praise letter in exchange for his formal submission of the vehicle’s specifications, from idea to research and creation.

Engr Pius Nwosu, speaking about his motivation for the project, stated that the Nigerian environment required eco-friendly vehicles as a result of the ecosystem’s pervasive pollution, adding that the electric car provided a way to avoid dangerous emissions produced by gasoline-powered vehicles’ engines.

Concerning the materials used to manufacture the car, the young engineer indicated that over 90% were sourced locally, emphasizing that the product demonstrated Nigeria’s capacity to create cars locally in order to halt the tide of automobile imports into the country. Regarding the timeframe of the invention, Engr Nwosu stated that it took him and his team approximately six months to construct the vehicle, adding that once the initial production is complete, following manufacturing will take less than one month.

Engr Pius Nwosu lavished praise on the Polytechnic’s Rector and Chief Executive Officer, Engr M.C. Arimanwa, for the great assistance he received that resulted in the vehicle’s successful invention. He noted the Rector’s facilitation of the TETfund facility as evidence of his commitment to research and development. “The Rector used his authority as Chief Executive of the Polytechnic to play a critical role in drawing the attention and support of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund), thereby transforming the project from a dream to a reality,” he explained.

A major highlight of the unveiling occasion was the Rector and his management team test-driving the electric car.

What is ASUP and Why was it Established? 

Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) was founded to fulfill the following objectives:

• To bring together all academic staff from Nigeria’s polytechnics, monotechnics, and
• To encourage its members to take an active role in the advancement of Nigeria’s technology, education and commerce.
• To advance, promote, and demand that its members be provided with adequate working circumstances.
• To pursue additional goals that are legal and do not conflict with the spirit of Nigerian trade unionism.
• To work with the Federal and State governments to establish a culture of good governance in order to achieve the goals of Nigerian Polytechnic/Monotechnic education.
• To enhance and encourage its members’ education and training.
• Collaborating with other organizations and unions that have similar goals.
• To achieve and maintain a high level of academic achievement as well as professional and technological competence.
• To provide beneficial service(s) to its members.

History of ASUP Strikes in Recent Years

In November 2017, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) announced that they would commence ‘a total and comprehensive indefinite’ strike. Their decision was reached due to the failure of the federal government to meet the outstanding agreement.

ASUP, however, suspended the strike fifteen days later. This is because the federal government agreed to put the recommendations of the 2014 NEEDS assessment into action.

The agreement stressed the importance of increased funding for polytechnics.

On the 12^th of December, 2018, ASUP began a nationwide strike as they joined university lecturers who had been on strike for more than a month.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic’s president revealed that the federal government did not meet the polytechnic lecturers’ demands.

The president announced that the strike would be ‘total and indefinite.’

In June 2021, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) declared a strike unless the federal government complies with its demands.

In a nine-point demand, the body sought, among other things, the adoption of a new remuneration plan, the revitalization of polytechnics, the establishment of a national commission for polytechnics, the implementation of a new national minimum wage, and the payment of arrears.

After that, ASUP suspended its sixty-five (65) days industrial strike.

This followed an agreement that was reached between the federal government and the union.

The National Publicity Secretary of ASUP, Mr. Abdullahi Yalwa, said regarding the suspension:

“The suspension is for a period of three months to enable the government complete the execution of the items contained in the Memorandum of Action signed with the Union from 27^th April, 2021.”

The union expects that the suspension of the strike would create an enabling climate for the government to complete other parts of the memorandum.

Has ASUP Helped in Improving the Educations Standards?

ASUP has helped in improving the education standards in several ways. ASUP seeks for the revitalization of polytechnics, the implementation of a new minimum wage, the adoption of a new remuneration plan, and a host of others.

List of Polytechnics Under ASUP

The following are the polytechnics under the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP):

Federal Polytechnic, Bida

Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti

Federal Polytechnic Offa

Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa

Federal Polytechnic Bauchi

Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana

Federal Polytechnic Ede

Federal Polytechnic Oko

Federal Polytechnic Nekede

Federal Polytechnic Idah

Auchi Polytechnic

Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna

Federal Polytechnic Bali

Federal Polytechnic Ilaro

Federal Polytechnic, Daura

Federal Polytechnic Ekowe

Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashikwu

Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori

Federal Polytechnic Damaturu

Yaba College of Technology

Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas Bonny

Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo

Federal Polytechnic Ile-Oluji

Federal Polytechnic Mubi

Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda

National Institute of Construction Technology Uromi

Portharcourt City Polytechnic, Portharcourt

Airforce Institute of Technology (AFIT)

Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic

Petroleum Training Institute Effurun

Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Science (NAITES)

Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic

Federal Polytechnic Ukana

Shehu Idris College of Health Science Makarfi

Bauchi State College of Agriculture, Bauchi

A brief Overview of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY)

Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, popularly known as MAPOLY, is a state-owned polytechnic founded in 1980.

Located in Abeokuta, Ogun State, it was established during the military administration of Harris Eghagha.

The institution is named after the late Nigerian businessman and politician Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. MAPOLY was initially established as Ogun State Polytechnic. In January 1979, the polytechnic admitted its first set of 220 students.

Oke-Egunya and Onikolobo were the two temporary campuses that were initially established. Between April 1985 and March 1988, the polytechnic relocated to the Ojere campus.

Moshood Abiola Polytechnic has five (5) schools: Science and Technology, Business & Management Studies, Engineering, Communication and Information Technology, and Environmental Studies.

The Centre for Part-Time and Diploma Programmes, on the other hand, is in charge of all part-time courses.

Moshood Abiola Polytechnic has produced several notable personalities making marks in the world. Some of them include the following:

1. Odunlade Adekola

Odunlade Adekola is a Nigerian actor, producer, filmmaker and director born in 1978.

A native of Otun Ekiti, Ekiti State, he was raised in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Odunlade Adekola’s acting career came into the limelight after playing a lead role in ‘Asiri Gomina Wa.’ He founded Odunlade Adekola Film Production (OAFP) and has starred in various Nollywood movies.

He bagged the best actor of the year award in the 2014 Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA). In addition, Adekola’s photographs during filming are popularly used as memes across social media platforms.

Odunlade Adekola has starred in several blockbusters such as The Vendor, Sunday Dagboru, Oyenusi, Kurukuru, Emi Nire Kan, Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo, Critical Evidence, Pate Pate, and a host of others.

Adekola received a diploma certificate from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.

2. Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa, is a renowned actress and producer.

She gained national recognition after playing the lead role in ‘Jenifa.’

Her TV show ‘Jenifa’s Diary,’ a spin-off from Jenifa, has also bagged an award. She won the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards as the Best Actress in a Comedy for her role in ‘Jenifa’s Diary.’

The 2019 movie ‘Your Excellency’ marked her directorial debut.

Akindele is the CEO of Scene One Film Production.

Funke Akindele obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from MAPOLY.

3. Ibikunle Amosun

Ibikunle Amosun is a Nigerian politician who was the former governor of Ogun State.

Born in 1958, Amosun attended African Church Primary School and African Church Grammar School in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He furthered his education by enrolling in a programme with Ogun State Polytechnic, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.

In 1983, Amosun graduated with a Higher National Diploma (HND).

An Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Amosun kick-started his career by working as an audit trainee with Lanre Aremu & Co. (Chartered Accountants).

Ibikunle Amosun also bagged a Master of Arts in International Finance from the University of Westminster in London, United Kingdom.

Amosun has gained national and international recognition due to his outstanding achievements. He bagged the Best Security Conscious State Governor in West Africa award by Security Watch Africa in Accra, Ghana, in October 2012.

He was also awarded as the Commander of the Order of the Niger (C.O.N.) National Award by the then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in September 2014.

4. Dayo Amusa

Dayo Amusa is a multi-award-winning actress and singer.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Dayo attended Mayflower School, Ikene.

Before launching her career in acting, she bagged a degree in Food Science and Technology at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.

Dayo Amusa has starred in several Yoruba and English movies.

She has bagged several awards, such as the 2013 BON Awards for Best Kiss in a Movie and 2017 Pink Awards for Nollywood Female Face of The Year.

Dayo Amusa is not just a talented and award-winning actress. She is also a skilled singer.

She has released several singles, including Blow My Mind, Ayemi Remix ft. Oritsefemi, Mama’s Love, and so much more.

5. Zlatan

Omoniyi Temidayo Rapahel, known by the stage name, Zlatan, is an award-winning singer, musician, and songwriter. He is also the founder and CEO of a popular record label, Zanku record.

Zlatan won the One Mic talent show, which was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He released a hit single, ‘Zanku,’ which became a famous dance routine in the African continent.

Born and raised in Ilorin, Kwara State, Zlatan attended Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and graduated with a National Diploma (ND) in Business Administration in 2011.

Zlatan has worked with prominent Nigerian artists, including Burna Boy, Naira Marley, and Davido.

In addition, he signed an endorsement deal with Coca-Cola in 2019.

6. Adewale Ayuba

Adewale Ayuba, popularly called Ayuba, is a renowned fuji musician born in Ogun State in the year 1966.

Growing up as a child singer, Ayuba sang at local musical competitions in Ikenne.

He decided to pursue a career in music after completing his secondary school education.

Ayuba gained admission at Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic) to study Architecture. However, he was more focused on his musical career.

At the age of seventeen, Ayuba released his first album titled ‘Ibere (Beginning).’

The multi-award-winning singer has released several notable albums.

Some of them include Mr Johnson Play For Me. Bonsue Knockout, Move Up, Turn Me On, Fuji Time, Fuji Satisfaction, Ariya, and so much more.

He has been crowned as the King of Bonsue Fuji.

7. Kayode Akintemi

Kayode Akintemi is a renowned broadcast journalist, ICT consultant, and TV presenter.

Born in 1965, he has worked with Channels TV as the General Manager.

He has also worked as the ICT and Project Manager Consultant to London Borough of Hillingdon.

He became the Editor-In-Chief and Managing Director of News Channel in 2016.

In addition, he is the Managing Director of Ignite Media.

He has formerly hosted ‘Sunrise Saturday’ on Channels TV and ‘Wake Up Africa’ on 94.3 FM.

Kayode graduated from Ogun State Polytechnic, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, with a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication with a specialization in Broadcast Journalism.