Stockbrokers’ Institute courts polytechnic students

Many students of Lagos City Polytechnic are expected to enroll for the Diploma Programme of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), following tips on the array of opportunities for professionals in the securities market, offered by the Institute’s first Vice President, Mr Oluropo Dada.

Mr Dada, who was the keynote speaker at the 15th Convocation Ceremony of Lagos City Polytechnic recently, advised the graduating students to expand their career through certification in the capital market.

According to him, CIS offers two-level Professional Diploma in Securities and Investment, which do not only prepare the holders for jobs in the financial market but enhance their aspiration to become core securities dealers.

“There are immense opportunities in the Nigerian capital market. Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) offers two Professional  Diploma in Securities and Investment to meet the needs of those who want to expand their careers and become professionals in the securities market.

“You have a lot to benefit from these Programmes. They will elevate you into full-fledged professionals in the financial market. Above all, you must continually uphold the tenets of skills and integrity, the hallmark of a professional,” Dada explained.

The graduating students were excited and many of them indicated interest in the Diploma courses. Speaking on “Enhancing the Standard of Tertiary Education in Nigeria,” Dada made a critique of the state of tertiary education in Nigeria and urged the federal government to increase the budget for education in line with UNESCO’s standard.

“Tertiary Education has become more than a necessity. It has been embedded into the culture of an average Nigerian household,  regardless of their status. It is not only seen as an investment in human capital; it is also seen as a prerequisite for economic development.

“While the quantity of education increased dramatically, the quality nose-dived to an unprecedented level. The goals of tertiary education encompass the development of relevant high-level manpower, the development of intellectual capability of individuals and the acquisition of physical and intellectual skills.

“The major difference between developed and less developed countries lies in the quality of their educational provisioning. Countries that are now regarded as having knowledge-based economies are essentially those that have paid remarkable attention to providing tertiary-level educational opportunities through which researched knowledge is taught and reproduced.

“With a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria’s future success depends heavily on the standard of its Tertiary education. A well-functioning Tertiary education system with enhanced standards is imperative for the country’s economic growth and development.

“To enhance the quality of Tertiary education in Nigeria, the following recommendations are made: There should be a comprehensive review of the state of the Nigerian tertiary education sector to draw up a strategic plan and road map to revitalize it in line with global best practices.

“The concept of Dual education, otherwise known as Vocational Education or apprenticeship training should be encouraged to reposition our Tertiary Institutions to be centers of innovation, incubation, and technology development, as well as trainers of entrepreneurship and creativity.

“This is why education at the secondary school level should appeal to the three domains – Cognitive, Affective, and Psychomotor. Specifically, through Dual education, the town meets with the gown, and Theory is married to the practice.

Tertiary institutions should partner with companies and establish industry connections that enable students to undertake in-company placements and internships. This would enhance the development of practical skills

“There should be Investment in Enterprise Skills Development to improve graduates in Nigeria. There should be diversification of the Tertiary Education curriculum to meet the needs of the labour market.

“Efforts should be made to employ qualified lecturers and Instructors, and there should be Continuous Training and Capacity Development of Lecturers to make them more efficient and effective in transferring knowledge to the students.

“The Government should suspend further approval of new Tertiary Institutions to enable the existing ones to consolidate and acquire the necessary infrastructure, resources, and facilities for effective learning. The funding of Tertiary education in Nigeria should be improved.

“The proposed budget of N1.54 trillion for education in 2024, represents 6.39 percent of the total budget. This is at variance with the UNESCO recommended minimum of 26 percent of the Budget,” Dada explained.

In his welcome address, the President and Chairman of Lagos City Polytechnic, Engineer Babatunde Odufunwa, congratulated the graduating students for attaining the enviable academic standard.

He urged them to continue to strive for excellence by building on their strong academic and professional foundation. According to him, they should be good ambassadors of the institution.