The pioneer rector of Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti, Prof. Kayode Adesodun, recently completed his tenure and stepped down from office. He shares with ABIODUN NEJO his views on how governments should support the private sector to drive agriculture, among other issues
Some people are of the opinion that universities and polytechnics in Nigeria can provide food for their areas, and by extension, states and the country. What are your thoughts?
Institutions are primarily established for human capacity development. Their main role is to train youths and others for various trades or enterprises, which is a major way of contributing to food security.
One of the mandates of institutions like the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, where I also work, is to provide extension services to farmers and other areas where the institution has expertise.
Where feasible, we engage in commercial farming, though it must be well-funded. However, the key contribution to food security is human capacity development.
Without educated or well-trained manpower, society faces problems. Personally, I don’t see tertiary institutions as the primary producers of food to feed the population. Our role is to train and ensure there is adequate manpower to be deployed across different sectors of the economy.
As a soil scientist, how did the polytechnic under your leadership contribute to human capital development in food security?
It’s a young institution, still in the process of setting up and establishing various structures. The training programme has started, and the institution currently has four departments – Accountancy, Agricultural Technology, Electrical/Electronics, and Computer Science. Though its contributions are still minimal due to its relative age, it has begun producing graduates who are integrating into various sectors of the economy. Some are pursuing further studies through direct entry to universities. While it may not yet compare to older institutions like the University of Ibadan, Yaba College of Technology, or Kaduna Polytechnic, it has contributed significantly to human capacity development in its five years of existence. This is the first polytechnic owned by Ekiti State, and polytechnic education is geared towards training middle-level manpower, with a focus on skills development. The institution has also been involved in mechanisation work around Ekiti State, albeit minimally, due to limited resources. However, efforts are ongoing to improve in this area.
The destructive activities of herdsmen remain a threat to agriculture. How do you think this issue can be addressed for a lasting solution?
The herders’ issue is a historical problem that requires serious intervention. Nigerians must recognise that herders are nomadic by nature, and confining them has always been a challenge. The government’s plan to establish ranches may be the best solution, but these people are naturally nomadic. I believe the problem stems from the abolition of grazing routes. Climate change is a significant factor driving them to the southern part of Nigeria. When they can no longer find grass or face drought, they move south, and if they are stopped, they may resort to force. Establishing ranches, alongside access routes, is a potential long-term solution, but we must take their nomadic way of life into account when seeking solutions.
Do you see seriousness on the part of the Federal Government in relation to agriculture and food security?
Every government does its best. No government in the world would want its population to go hungry, as that would lead to chaos. There’s an old saying, “A hungry man is an angry man.” I see the Federal Government and the states making efforts, but there needs to be more collaboration between them. The government should provide support to farmers at different levels rather than getting directly involved in production. Historically, when the government becomes too involved in projects, issues like corruption arise, which can undermine the entire programme.
How has the quest for white-collar jobs among Nigerian graduates affected the vision and mission of polytechnics?
The dichotomy between university and polytechnic graduates, created by the government, has significantly impacted polytechnic education. In contrast, the private sector generally doesn’t have this problem. In private sector job interviews, polytechnic graduates are often preferred over university graduates because the private sector values skills and productivity. However, in the government sector, the focus is more on certificates, even when candidates may lack practical knowledge. This dichotomy discourages parents from sending their children to polytechnics, leading to fewer enrolments and limiting the potential impact of polytechnic education.
Are Nigerian polytechnics truly equipped to provide students with the required skills and expertise?
Yes, they are adequately equipped. From my experience, the National Board for Technical Education is very strict about ensuring that polytechnics meet the necessary standards for resources and infrastructure. The Tertiary Education Trust Fund is also playing a key role in upgrading equipment in laboratories and workshops. Ekiti State Polytechnic is a beneficiary of this process. Polytechnics have the tools to perform their mandate, but the dichotomy between polytechnic and university graduates remains a significant challenge.
How is the dichotomy between university and polytechnic graduates affecting the system and polytechnic graduates?
The dichotomy creates major issues within the system. For example, a polytechnic graduate who has risen through the ranks might be a level 14 officer in the technical line, but then a fresh university graduate is hired and placed above them. This undermines the experience and contributions of polytechnic graduates. Recently, it was reported that Dangote Refinery hired 11,000 Indians because our youths lack the necessary skills. This is a direct result of the issues created by the dichotomy.
What’s the way out of this dichotomy?
Firstly, the restriction on career growth for polytechnic graduates in government must be removed. Polytechnic graduates should be allowed to reach the peak of their careers in their respective fields. The dichotomy is not only unfair but also harmful to the growth of the system.
Unlike universities and colleges of education, polytechnics don’t have a dedicated commission. How does this affect the polytechnic system?
The impact is significant, as the absence of a commission affects the growth of the system. However, the National Assembly is currently working on creating a National Polytechnic Commission. There was a public hearing on this matter recently, and we are hopeful that it will materialise soon.
Power supply is essential for a technology school like Ekiti Polytechnic. How did you cope with the epileptic power supply and high tariffs during your tenure?
This is a general problem in Nigeria. We relied on generators when there was no power from the national grid, but this was costly due to the high price of diesel. To address this, we deployed solar systems, especially in areas like the computer laboratories. However, for laboratories with heavy machinery, it was too expensive to install solar systems. We are still working on expanding the use of solar energy.
How should the Federal Government handle the power situation?
The Federal Government should allow those with the capacity to run the power sector. Many of those who initially got involved lacked both the technical and financial capacity. The government should look for competent hands, similar to those in the telecommunications sector, who have the capacity to establish and expand networks. The Transmission Company of Nigeria should also be decentralised and fully privatised. Holding onto TCN while privatising the generation and distribution companies is not sustainable.
You prescribed a dress code for students. What has been the impact, and how did you handle any resistance?
We involved the stakeholders in the decision-making process, and the students were adequately counselled on the importance of dressing appropriately as tertiary institution students. Many of them wouldn’t wear inappropriate clothing at home, so we encouraged them to maintain those standards outside as well. The policy was well received, and we made it clear that violations would not be tolerated. This approach helped instil discipline and mould their character.
What specific requests do you have for the institution from the state government?
I would request the state government to continue improving its support for the institution. Education is a social service, not a commercial one. Even private institutions offer incentives to attract students. I would particularly request the construction of a students’ hostel, which is vital for attracting more students. Most parents prefer their children to live on campus. We received approval from TETFUND for the construction of a 120-capacity students’ hostel, but more support is needed.
How did you address complaints from students about financial challenges, including school fees, rent, and transport costs?
As a rector, I was always accessible to students and staff, and I responded to their concerns promptly. Since the institution began admitting students four years ago, school fees have not been increased, and we have maintained some of the lowest fees compared to other institutions. In terms of transportation, we provided a school bus for students, and instructions were given to prioritise their needs.
As you leave office, what are you most grateful for?
I am most grateful for the mercy of God. I had a very good relationship with both staff and students, and there were no agitations because I made sure to address their needs. Peace reigned, and the institution moved forward. I give God the glory for that.
What are your plans after Ekiti Polytechnic?
I am still a staff member of the Department of Soil Science at FUNAAB. I will be going on sabbatical leave, and I am not due for retirement yet. I trust that before my sabbatical ends, the Lord will have opened up new opportunities for me, whether at FUNAAB or elsewhere. I believe God is leading me to greener pastures.
