Repositioning Polytechnic Education for Self Reliance and Economic Development in Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to highlight the importance of polytechnic
education to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. Polytechnic
education which is considered as one of the three major types of academic
institutions distinguishable in the technical education sub-sector has as it
primary role middle manpower for commerce, industry, agriculture, health
care and teaching. But, “for obvious reasons, since independence, efforts at
capacity building and National Capability in machine or electrical
production to serve the needs of agriculture, industry, security and defense
have been largely frustrated”. Consequently, there is rise in unemployment
and uncertain economic situation which polytechnic education was suppose
to address. In view of this, the study recommends the need to reposition
polytechnic education through proper funding, monitoring and
implementation of its policy objectives for self-reliance and economic
development of Nigeria.