Prof. Aina Advocates Skills Over Certificates in Education

Prof. Oladipo Aina, the Pro-Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, delivered a lecture at the Ekiti State College of Technology, Ijero-Ekiti, on September 26. He argued that Nigeria must prioritize skills, problem-solving, and innovation as the foundation for national development.

Aina, a former Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, criticized the culture that values academic certificates over practical competence. He urged graduates to view themselves as technically trained professionals rather than merely certificate holders.

Aina proposed the establishment of a national skills-forecasting system and called for stronger industry participation in curriculum development. He also suggested an annual EKSCOTECH Innovation and Technology Expo to foster relationships between the institution, industry, and investors.

Aina stressed the importance of treating technical education as strategic economic infrastructure and urged the Ekiti State Government to invest in modern infrastructure and applied research to enhance the state's productive capacity.