Dr. Akpan Ekwere, founder of Dorben Polytechnic, Abuja, has voiced strong criticism against certain government policies, claiming they are undermining polytechnic education in Nigeria. Speaking after Dorben Polytechnic’s victory in the National Practical Competition, Ekwere highlighted the struggles faced by polytechnic graduates, particularly the requirement to join professional associations before National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization.
Ekwere, an advocate of technical education, argued that polytechnic graduates are being unfairly treated despite spending the same number of years in school as university students. He also criticized the conversion of polytechnics to universities, urging the government to respect the unique role of polytechnic education in building the nation’s technical workforce.
“Polytechnics train practical-oriented professionals,” Ekwere said, “yet, we’re treated like second-class institutions. The government should let polytechnics thrive to meet Nigeria’s technical manpower needs.”
Ekwere also expressed frustration over the NYSC’s policy requiring polytechnic graduates to join professional bodies like ICAN before being allowed to serve, labeling it as unnecessary and detrimental to students’ futures. He emphasized that such policies, if unchecked, could lead to the extinction of polytechnics in Nigeria.
