Olafenwa: Ronik Polytechnic Emerging as Legacy of Technical Education Dedicated to National Devt

Oluchi Chibuzor

The acting Rector, Ronik Polytechnic, Lagos, Dr Abiodun Olafenwa, has said that the institution is emerging as a legacy of technical education dedicated to national development.

Speaking at the institution’s recent 20th matriculation ceremony, he said that the management aspires to build a polytechnic that is not only a centre of teaching but also of innovation, industry collaboration, research, commercialisation, and technological consulting.

Olafenwa highlighted that the polytechnic is ready to equip students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills to prepare them to become tomorrow’s job creators.

He added that globally, higher education institutions are no longer defined solely by classroom teaching, “they are increasingly becoming innovation ecosystems where knowledge meets industry, where research drives economic solutions, and where graduates are equipped not only to seek jobs, but to create them. Ronik Polytechnic is deliberately positioning itself within this global paradigm shift.

“Through strategic reforms and institutional restructuring, we are transitioning from a tuition-dependent institution to a multi-revenue knowledge. We are leveraging the compositions of our governing council, expertise, innovation and industry engagement to create value for society,” he said.

Olafenwa stated that in recent years, the polytechnic has expanded and strengthened its academic portfolio to reflect emerging global and national demands.

“These technology-inclined programmes were introduced to ensure that our graduates possess the skills required in the modern digital and industrial economy,” stated Olafenwa. “These programmes are designed with a strong industry orientation, ensuring that what you learn here aligns with real-world needs. At Ronik Polytechnic, education is not abstract theory. It is practical, innovative, and market-driven.”

The visitor of the polytechnic, Chris Alabi, who was represented by Vice-Chairman of the Governing Council, Adeola Olubanjo, stated that matriculation goes beyond wearing gowns and taking pictures.

“It’s a responsibility for you. You are taking responsibility from today to be a student of Ronik Polytechnic and that you are going to uphold the values and qualities of the polytechnic,” he said.

Olubanjo, on his part, stressed that the institution is geared to ensure harmony between what it teaches and the current technological advancements ecosystem.

“We believe in technology. In fact, that’s why we went out to bring our deputy rector, who has a PhD in technology, and he has been enhancing our effort to specialise in the area of technology.

“We are equipping our laboratories, putting in more equipment, and making our students follow all the things that are going on around the tech world; so our school is really rooted in technology,” he said.