Poly Rector calls for revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel, as FPI unveils solar powered tricycle

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, Dr Mukail Akinde has called for the revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Company, saying that the resuscitation of the company is crucial to the growth of the manufacturing sector in the country.

He equally advocated for improved funding of the polytechnic education, if the country wants to achieve its desire for technological advancement and reduce importation.

Akinde made the call while speaking during the second year anniversary of his appointment and public presentation of the recently fabricated solar powered tricycle by the polytechnic.

Akinde, who attributed the country's over reliance on importation to the inadequate funding of the polytechnic education, that was principally set up to produce manpower for nation's technical development, noted that the tricycle produced by the institution among other innovations, were proof that with proper funding, polytechnic education can help revolutionise the technological advancements of the country.

Akinde said, "government must place high premium on polytechnic education, the funding must be seriously looked into. How come are we still importing virtually everything we use in Nigeria? It is simply because we have decided not fund the polytechnic education. 

"A lot of things we imported can be manufactured locally. For Nigeria to move forward, government must pay attention to funding of the polytechnic. We must have a working foundry. 

"Foundry is where we cut iron to precision. For instance, the motor we use for our tricycles was designed here, but there was no equipment to cut it to precision, so we have to send the design abroad and it was cut there and sent to us. 

"This is why we are saying that Ajaokuta Steel Company must work. It is central to our technical development. If China can convert most of their universities to polytechnics, do you want to say they don't know what they are doing? 

"Polytechnic education is the way to go because we are talking about education that is tailored to apply knowledge. Countries like Malaysia, Singapore, China have since left us behind.

The Rector said that the new tricycle which can be charged electronically and through solar is an improvement on the one unveiled about two months ago, pointing out that while the first model can only carry one person, this latest model can carry five passengers conveniently.

He listed other achievements of the institution under his two years in office to include; addition of 25 new courses, commencement of School of Agriculture, improved welfare packages for the staff among other technological advancements and infrastructural development.

Speaking at the occasion, the President of Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Engr Felix Olu, who was represented by Dr Abolaji Ilori, Chairman of Ogun State branch of the association, lauded the polytechnic for its commitment to championing home grown technological advancements.

Engr Olu called on the institution to reach out for collaboration that could provide platform for the commercial production of their series of innovation, particularly the tricycle.

The immediate past Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Segun Aluko commended Akinde for his excellent leadership, urging him to continue to build on the solid foundation of academic research and innovation laid by the founding fathers of the institution.