Some stakeholders in technical education on Friday emphasised its critical role in unlocking Nigerian youths’ potential to drive progress, productivity, and economic growth.

They spoke at a public lecture held at Yaba College of Technology with the theme, “Technical Education and National Development: The Place of AI, Its Credibility, Trust and Transparency.’’

 The event, organised by the Centre for Information Communication and Public Relations (CICPR), YabaTech, a former Deputy Rector and CICPR Director, Dr Omobayo Raheem.

 It took place at Yusuf Grillo Hall, YabaTech, and featured prominent speakers from education and media sectors.

 The speakers included Dr Mukail Akinde, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, Dr Mukail Akinde, Rector of YabaTech; Dr Ibraheem Abdul and journalist, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.

Mr Kolade-Otitoju, represented by the CEO of Premium Eagle Media Ltd., Dotun Oladipupo highlighted how technical education fosters innovation and equips students with employable skills.

He said such programmes often combine practical training, internships, and industry links to ensure graduates are ready for the workforce.

Mr Kolade-Otitoju listed key benefits: creating a skilled workforce, encouraging innovation, addressing sectoral needs, and offering alternatives to traditional academic success.

 He said, “In many countries, technical professionals thrive. They solve problems, work with their hands, and contribute significantly to national economies.’’ 

He lamented that in Nigeria, certification is overvalued, and practical skills are undervalued, hindering national development and discouraging technical education.

He added, “It’s time to shift from paper qualifications to practical abilities,” urging a rethink in the nation’s educational priorities.

He stressed the importance of purposeful internships, saying experience gained helps shape careers. Institutions should assess students’ progress during industrial training.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to sign into law the bill ending disparity between HND and BSc, and enforce it nationwide.

 Mr Kolade-Otitoju also called for increased government funding for technical education to inspire more young Nigerians.

 On AI, he said it plays a vital role in technical institutions and offers great benefits to skilled professionals.

However, he warned against excessive reliance on AI, urging users to tailor its application to local needs and workplace relevance.

Mr Akinde defined technical education as academic and vocational training for roles in applied sciences, modern tech, and hands-on professions.

 He explained that technical education imparts job-specific skills aligned with industrial demand, unlike general education, which is broader.

 He said the global economy now depends on tech-driven skills, making technical education essential for bridging workforce gaps.

 He stated that AI is among the most revolutionary tools today, already embedded in national development and education strategies.

 Mr Akinde said, “AI has transformed sectors like healthcare, finance, education, and public service.’’ 

He said its ethical use must be guided by credibility, trust, and transparency, involving developers, ethicists, and policymakers.

 Mr Akinde urged interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure AI tools are ethically sound and socially responsible.

 He noted that in technical education, AI enriches training quality, prepares students for jobs in data science, robotics, and automation.

 “A tech-skilled, AI-savvy workforce boosts national productivity, attracts investment, and accelerates development,” he said.

Mr Abdul stated the institution has long championed technical and vocational education for nation-building.

 He acknowledged AI’s transformative impact across teaching, governance, and industry, and its role in training future professionals.

 “We welcome AI’s benefits while managing its integration with care, inclusiveness, and responsibility,” Mr Abdul said.

 The NBTE South West Zonal Director, Ayo Aroge, decried Nigeria’s obsession with certificates, saying skills are equally vital for progress.

He urged recognition of hardworking academic staff and the elevation of performance through proper motivation.

Mr Aroge said, “NBTE promotes skill over degrees. Polytechnics should award Bachelors in Technical Education. Hard work drives development. No country develops without valuing technical education and skilled labour.’’

(NAN)