The Rector of Ekiti State College of Technology (EKSCOTECH), Ijero-Ekiti, Dr. Olufemi Olubamise, has participated in the 162nd Regular Meeting of the Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria (COHEADS), a strategic gathering of leaders of technical institutions aimed at strengthening policies and reforms that will enhance technical and vocational education across the country.
The meeting, hosted by Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, and convened by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), attracted rectors from federal, state and private polytechnics and colleges of technology nationwide. The forum served as a platform for reviewing emerging developments in the technical education sector, sharing institutional experiences and charting practical solutions to challenges confronting polytechnic education in Nigeria.
During the deliberations, participants examined a broad range of issues central to improving the quality and relevance of technical education. Discussions focused on the implementation of new NBTE policy directives, institutional compliance with regulatory standards, accreditation procedures for academic programmes, curriculum modernisation, quality assurance mechanisms and strategies for strengthening governance within polytechnics and colleges of technology.
Another major area of engagement was the effective utilisation of interventions provided by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). Participants reviewed guidelines governing access to intervention funds and considered ways institutions could maximise available resources to improve teaching facilities, expand workshops and laboratories, strengthen research activities, support innovation and accelerate infrastructure development across campuses.
The meeting also placed considerable emphasis on human capital development within the polytechnic system. Deliberations explored measures for improving staff training, professional development, academic leadership and capacity-building initiatives that would enable lecturers and administrators to respond effectively to evolving technological trends and the changing demands of industry. Participants noted that continuous investment in staff development remains essential for producing graduates equipped with practical competencies required in today’s workforce.
Attention was equally given to curriculum review and the need for technical institutions to align their academic programmes with modern industrial realities. The discussions highlighted the importance of equipping students with employable skills in emerging fields of technology, entrepreneurship, digital innovation and applied sciences, while promoting stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations.
Dr. Olubamise’s participation underscored Ekiti State College of Technology’s commitment to contributing to national conversations on the future of technical and vocational education. By engaging directly with policy discussions and institutional reforms, the college seeks to ensure that its academic programmes, administrative processes and development initiatives remain consistent with national standards established by the NBTE.
The rector’s attendance also reflects the institution’s determination to strengthen the quality of teaching and learning through continuous improvement, enhanced accreditation performance and strategic planning. Insights gained from the meeting are expected to support ongoing efforts by the college to improve academic delivery, expand opportunities for students and create an environment that encourages innovation, technical competence and entrepreneurship.
As Nigeria continues to prioritise skills acquisition as a catalyst for economic growth, forums such as the COHEADS meeting remain critical in shaping policies that enhance the relevance and competitiveness of polytechnic education.
EKSCOTECH’s participation reinforces its resolve to remain an active contributor to the transformation of technical education while preparing graduates with the practical knowledge and professional skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
