Reviving the Technical colleges

REVIVING THE TECHNICAL TRAINING COLLEGES IN NIGERIA


Regrettably, we generally tend to overvalue money and undervalue art. Honestly my intense feelings over the anomaly are truly sympathetic. Unequivocally, it’s so pathetic that the syndrome has been existing for decades now.

The above paragraph might sound off point to most ears; but it remains the foremost aspect of this edition. In other words, I may decide to quit at this juncture because I’m deeply of the view that the first paragraph has summarily presented and as well analyzed the business of today.

Maybe I’m yet to make a sense to you. The bone of contention is that the abstract of this work has been given. And with the abstract of any work, anyone can make a meaning from it if closely studied. Furthermore, anybody can develop a work of any length in subsequent to the given abstract without the assistance or presence of the progenitor of the original work.

Even a toddler can attest to the fact that science has done wonders and therefore remains impeccable. Science is the only field on earth that understands the language of experiment coupled with practice to the fullness. Experiment is an avenue through which one finds out or prove something. Thus, if one has an idea, it’s only through experiment that he can ascertain the product/result of the idea. Sciences as a discipline has been embracing this routine for centuries now, and it has been working smoothly for it (sciences). Apart from science, any other field/area such as arts can also encourage and indulge in experimental procedures. Experiment does not mean carrying out a certain work in the laboratory; it simply means, unravelling the mystery thereby ascertaining the fact. In a nutshell, it means utilizing a practical approach while in any activity. Generally speaking, any field of study can embrace the scientific methodology which is experiment or practice; and that’s exactly what we see or is being observed in various technical colleges/schools in existence.

Recently, most times I feel like gushing out tears each time I look around and see that Nigeria as a country cannot boast of any befitting government technical college across the federation. Most persons cheer over the syndrome; some laugh over it; some meditate on it; while only few jeer or cries over the nightmare. It beats my utmost imagination to see that some of our so-called leaders are among those who laugh or cheer over the anomaly which I personally tagged as a societal monster. Well, let’s ride on!

I wish to use this medium to make a fact clear to the Nigerian society, that, the country’s technological development cum enhancement shall remain a mirage if the grass-root is not properly addressed. We must endeavour to commence with the rudiments if our dream must yield a genuine product. Take for instance; most of the technical works done in China is being carried out by the school children. And I’m quite sure we’ve not forgotten so soon that barely few years ago China was placed as one of the ‘third-world’ countries in the world alongside with Nigeria. Fortunately today, China is amongst the world’s ruling class as regards science and technology. Unfortunately and pathetically, Nigeria is still topping the list of the third-world countries.

The Nigerian government ought to start now to fund and as well re-establish the dilapidated technical colleges situated in various location across the country. Let’s embrace the era of scientific methodology. It’s better late than never. But I’m afraid, if a drastic and urgent measure is not taken in respect to this canker, Nigeria is liable to be seen as an arena for mere jamboree in near future.

Brethren, every hand must be on deck to ensure that this cause we have embarked on yields a result that would be of global reputation in no distance time. And if the crusade must generate a worthwhile fruit, then we should acknowledge the fact that the starting point or the basis is nothing but sincerity. Yes, we must begin by telling ourselves the gospel truth. Think about it!

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FRED NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist