The Acting Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, Ogun State, formerly the Federal Polytechnic, Dr. Mikhail Akinde, has commended the Federal Government for the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that the intervention has provided critical financial relief for students and improved access to higher education.
Speaking during a media interaction and exhibition of locally fabricated machines on Monday, ahead of the institution’s 23rd convocation ceremony, Akinde disclosed that the institution had so far benefited from about N32 million disbursed under the scheme, with 233 students already captured as beneficiaries.
He explained that the fund has helped prevent cases of student dropouts caused by financial hardship, adding that several students who would have been unable to sit for examinations were able to complete their academic requirements due to the intervention.
According to him, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to expanding access to education and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic progress, particularly in technical institutions where practical training is essential.
Beyond the student support scheme, the vice chancellor used the platform to call for stronger collaboration between the institution and private sector investors to enable the mass production and commercialisation of innovations developed by staff and students.
He noted that the institution is actively working to bridge Nigeria’s technological and industrial gap through practical, skills-based education, especially as it transitions from a polytechnic into a university with a stronger focus on technology and innovation.
The exhibition featured a range of indigenous inventions designed to address everyday and industrial challenges. These included solar- and battery-powered tricycles, palm oil digesters, PET bottle shredders, maize dehuskers, poultry defeathering machines, and incubators, among others. According to Akinde, many of these innovations have the potential for large-scale production, which could reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported machinery while creating jobs and supporting small and medium-scale enterprises.
He stressed that the institution’s long-term vision is to produce graduates equipped with practical, industry-relevant skills rather than theoretical knowledge alone, arguing that such an approach is essential for national development and economic transformation.
“Our challenge, however, revolves around getting investors who could partner with us for the mass production of several of these machines,” he said, urging both local and international stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration in deploying home-grown technology for economic growth.
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| The acting Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, former Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Dr Mikhail Akinde and other principal officers of the university during the unveiling of the innovation and exhibition projects of the university. Photo credit: Taiwo Bankole |
He further announced that the institution would honour several prominent figures, including Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Katsina State Governor Dr. Dikko Radda, the Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Rasheed Ladoja, and the Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in recognition of their contributions to national development.
Earlier, the Director of Research and Development, Dr. S.A. Odunlami, highlighted the significance of the exhibition, describing it as evidence of the institution’s commitment to innovation, research excellence, and practical solutions to societal challenges.
He noted that the showcased projects demonstrate not only technical expertise but also collaboration and a shared vision for sustainable development, positioning the institution as a key player in Nigeria’s drive toward industrial and technological advancement.