Olowolafe urges Ekiti to expand six technical colleges, prioritise vocational skills

Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, has called for increased investment in the six government technical colleges in Ekiti State, arguing that vocational education should play a bigger role in preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship.

Olowolafe made the call while delivering a lead paper at the Ekiti at 30 Future Summit in Ado-Ekiti, where he outlined proposals for turning the state’s strong educational tradition into greater economic productivity and wealth creation.

He said the existing six technical colleges provide an important foundation but would need to be expanded and modernised to meet demand from young people across Ekiti’s 16 local government areas.

Olowolafe identified practical skills including solar installation, welding, fabrication, machinery repair and food processing as areas where stronger vocational training could create employment opportunities and support local industries.

Calls for curriculum reform, international instructors

Olowolafe proposed modernising the curriculum of the technical colleges and strengthening their links with industries that can provide practical training and employment opportunities.

He also suggested bringing experienced vocational instructors from countries including Germany, Switzerland, Canada and South Africa to train teachers and expose students to international technical standards.

According to him, companies operating in relevant sectors should be encouraged to participate in curriculum development, provide experienced engineers and technicians as instructors and recruit directly from the colleges.

He argued that vocational education would become more attractive to young Nigerians when students could clearly see a pathway from technical training to professional certification, employment or business ownership.

Foundation pledges ICT upgrades

Olowolafe also said the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation would work with the Ekiti State Government to establish or upgrade ICT facilities at the six technical colleges.

The proposed facilities would include solar power and high-speed internet, while the foundation also plans to support international vocational experts who can assist teachers and students.

He separately proposed renewable-energy microgrids across communities in the state and stronger development of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone as part of a broader technology and economic-development strategy.

The proposals were presented as recommendations and private-sector commitments; they should not be interpreted as already completed government projects.