LAGOS – The Principal of the Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Lagos, Mr Chris Ugorji, said
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”8″] on Tuesday that plans were underway to commence National Diploma[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]
(ND) programmes in the college.
Ugorji made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]
He explained that the institution, founded in 1948, currently had capacity to diploma programmes.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]
He said that the institution had qualified teachers to handle the 19 trade subjects being offered in the college.
“We all know that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is the in thing today not only in the country but the world over.
“Because of the calibre of staff we have in the technical section of the college and the kind of sophisticated equipment available, our plan in the nearest future is that we are going to ensure that we commence running ND programmes.
“I want to assure you that before the expiration of my tenure here as principal, we shall do all we can to make it a dream come true.
“All we need do is to revitalise the technical section and put the machines in good use as well as ensure steady power supply that will power them.
“With the 12 workshops in this college, we can compete favourably with any of the universities or polytechnics around the country.’’
According to him, another requisite for the take-off of the programme is to get the staff properly empowered and encouraged.
Ugorji noted that a lack of skills acquisition among the country’s youth was the major cause of the high rate of unemployment in the country.
The principal, however, said that government had intensified efforts in the area of advocacy for TVE and that it had so far gone a long way to creating the necessary effect.
He noted that because of the craze for TVE, government was in a haste to encourage private individuals, who were interested in running skill-based programmes.
Ugorji, who was a one-time Quality Assurance Officer in the Federal Inspectorate of Schools, said that he was pleased with the level of sensitisation of the importance of technical and vocational education.
He said that increased rate of enrollment in the just- concluded admission for the 2014/2015 session in the school, showed the level of acceptability and awareness of the relevance of technical education.
The principal, who assumed office in September 2014, however, noted that one of his major challenges was to inculcate discipline among students of the institution.
He noted that there was no way products of the institution would excel if they were not disciplined even if they were to come out with the best results from any public examination.
Ugorji noted that apart from acquisition of skills and knowledge, the college was determined to change the orientation of students and parents, especially as it concerned school culture and concept of total man.
He said there was need for students to know what to do and where to be at any given time.
The principal said he was also working towards ensuring that the college came tops among the 104 Unity Colleges in the country by putting proper structures on ground.
Ugorji noted that it was his dream to graduate students who would have round training and be found worthy in learning and character.
He said his administration was in tune with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.
“I want to assure you that with dogged commitment and tenacity and putting the right policy in place we will surely get there.
“However, I also wish to emphasise the need for partnership from interested persons and corporate bodies that will like to contribute to accelerated development of the school especially in the area of accommodation,’’ he said.
