BOTAVED CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR MORE SUPPORT FOR TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN OYO

The Chairman of the Board for Technical and Vocational Education (BOTAVED), Elder Ayoade Adekolа, has called for increased individual and corporate support for the development of technical and vocational education in Oyo State.

Adekolа made the call during an inspection of newly provided facilities at Ibadan Boys High School, Oke Bola, Ibadan, where old students of the school’s 1972-1976 set have initiated a vocational education project as part of activities marking their 50th anniversary.

The alumni association has provided workshops and learning equipment for three vocational areas; solar installation, tailoring and GSM repairs; as part of efforts to equip students with practical and entrepreneurial skills.

Represented at the inspection and interactive session by the Executive Secretary of BOTAVED, Mr. Tunde Ajibike, the chairman said incorporating the three trade areas into the school’s curriculum would provide students with additional opportunities to acquire practical skills and develop their entrepreneurial capacity.

He described the initiative as a developmental intervention capable of strengthening vocational competencies among students, promoting self-employment and preparing young people for opportunities in the evolving technical economy.

Also speaking at the engagement, the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the 50th anniversary, Barrister Kunle Olujobi, disclosed that the vocational project was conceived and funded by members of the 1972-1976 alumni set to commemorate five decades since their graduation from the school.

According to him, the project encompasses the renovation of relevant facilities, procurement of equipment and learning materials, as well as the engagement of personnel to support the vocational programmes.

Olujobi put the projected cost of completing the initiative at more than ₦20 million, adding that the project is scheduled to be commissioned on October 9, 2026, with dignitaries from Nigeria and the diaspora expected to attend.

The development comes against the backdrop of growing emphasis on practical and skills-based education as a pathway to improving employability and encouraging entrepreneurship among young people.

Adekolа consequently appealed to old students of public schools across Oyo State to consider similar interventions and contribute to the development of their former schools.

He noted that sustained support from individuals, alumni associations, businesses and corporate organisations could complement government efforts in expanding access to technical and vocational training across the state.

The BOTAVED chairman's appeal places renewed attention on the role of public-private and alumni partnerships in providing students with practical learning opportunities and strengthening technical education infrastructure in Oyo State.