Nigeria cannot develop without polytechnic education, according to Prof. Emmanuel Fasakin, the departing Rector of the Federal Polytechnic in Ile Oluji, Ondo State.
Fasakin argued that polytechnic education was the cornerstone of industrialization and that eliminating it would spell disaster for the nation.
The outgoing Rector explained that the polytechnic education would produce the manpower needed in factories when he spoke on Sunday in Akure at the launch of his memoir to mark the end of a successful two-term tenure as the pioneer rector of the polytechnic.
Beyond the Ordinary: The Journey of My Life and Experience at Federal Polytechnic, Ile Oluji is the name of the book.
According to Fasakin, Nigeria shouldn't rely on foreign labor to sustain its industry.
He claims that ending polytechnic education would be the same as committing suicide.
So, he requested that the Nigerian government create an environment that is favorable and helpful so that Nigerian individuals can work and succeed in their individual academic endeavors.
Fasakin observed that Nigerian academics were emigrating to places where their talent would be realized and they would receive fair compensation.
In his memoir, he said that he had written the book to share his life's experiences in order for those aspiring to become institutions' founders and transformational leaders to be aware of problems and propose solutions.
According to Fasakin, he had created a solid foundation for the institution's infrastructure, teamwork-based human development, and transformative leadership.
The university, which started operating in 2015 and offers the Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programs, was recognized as one of the best in Nigeria, according to the departing rector.
The guest lecturer's other speaker, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, characterized Fasakin as modest, diligent, and dedicated.
Former vice chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Ajibefun, claimed that the departing rector had been successful in turning the polytechnic into a well-respected institution.
He asserts that Fasakin has steered the organization toward fulfilling its objective and vision.
The polytechnic had surpassed its three rival institutions within eight years of the institution's founding, he continued.
"Prof. Fasakin has demonstrated outstanding leadership, collaborating with stakeholders to build it into a prestigious university of the present.
"It is clear that Fasakin has led the institution's essential beliefs.
According to the foundation Fasakin set, "The polytechnic will rank among the top three in Nigeria in the future," he said.
Ajibefun pleaded on the government to grant all power to academic institutions in order to improve outcomes.
He claimed that the nation's educational system had been severely damaged by poor leadership.
The event's chairman, Prof. Adebisi Balogun, added that Fasakin had transformed the polytechnic into a stunning location for studying and teaching.
Balogun urged the next rector to build on the strong foundation he had already created.
Other attendees were former state deputy governor Alhaji Ali Olanusi and governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who was represented by his chief of staff, Chief Gbenga Ale.