…reiterates importance of TVET

By Adesina Wahab

In a bold effort to redefine the narrative around Polytechnic education and amplify the voices of young Nigerians, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), through the Office of the Public Relations Officer, has successfully hosted the Beyond Campus Conference 2026 (B.C.C 2026) alongside the Grand Finale of the Inter-Campus Oratory Championship (I.C.O.C 2026) at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.

The initiative, spearheaded by Comr. Bamidele Victor, popularly known as “Peace of Mind,” who currently serves as the National Public Relations Officer of NAPS, was conceived as a platform to promote intellectual engagement, leadership development, and a renewed appreciation of the role of Polytechnic education in Nigeria’s development journey.

Speaking at the conference, Victor emphasized that Polytechnic education remains one of the strongest drivers of innovation, technical expertise, entrepreneurship, and industrial growth in the country. According to him, the objective of the Beyond Campus Conference is to encourage students to look beyond the confines of the classroom and understand their capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development.

“The future of Nigeria cannot be discussed without recognizing the contributions of Polytechnic graduates and students. Through initiatives like Beyond Campus, we are building a generation of young leaders, innovators, and solution providers who understand that education must translate into impact,” he stated.

The conference, themed “Bridging the Gap: Polytechnic Students and Nigeria’s Development Agenda,” attracted over 600 participants, including students, youth leaders, industry experts, and key stakeholders from across the education sector.

A major highlight of the event was the Grand Finale of the Inter-Campus Oratory Championship (I.C.O.C 2026), a national public speaking competition established to develop eloquence, confidence, critical thinking, and leadership communication among students.

The finalists addressed the topic:
“Polytechnic Education and Sustainable Industrialization: The Pathway to Nigeria’s Development.”

The competition showcased exceptional talent and intellectual depth among the participants, further reinforcing the importance of effective communication as a tool for leadership and societal transformation.

At the end of the keenly contested finale, the following participants emerged victorious:

• First Place: Hassan Hosanna Omolayo – Adecom College of Business and Management Studies, Egbeda, Ibadan.
• Second Place: Emmanuel Haruna Isaac – Yaba College of Technology
• Third Place: Vera Effiong Iseh – Yaba College of Technology
  The event was graced by notable dignitaries and stakeholders, including Comr. Odewunmi Quadri, Chairman of NANS JCC Lagos; Comr. Olugbemi Temitope, Public Relations Officer of NANS South-West Zone; Mr. Kehinde Ologun James, a cybersecurity expert and Chief Executive Officer of Cybercadabra; Dr Adewale Adeshina, The Rector Adecom College of Business and Management Studies and Mr. Subomi Akintola, the Chief Executive Officer of Update Lagos, among other distinguished guests.
  Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Victor noted that Beyond Campus Conference and the Inter-Campus Oratory Championship represent the beginning of a broader movement aimed at empowering Polytechnic students nationwide.
  “This is bigger than a conference or a competition. It is a vision to restore confidence in Polytechnic education, nurture leadership capacity, and create platforms where young people can contribute to national conversations. Our plan is to expand this initiative across Nigeria, ensuring that every Polytechnic or Tertiary institution student has access to opportunities that inspire growth, innovation, and impact,” he added.
  The Beyond Campus Conference and Inter-Campus Oratory Championship stand as a testament to the transformative potential of youth driven initiatives and the critical role Polytechnic institutions play in producing the skilled workforce and visionary leaders needed for national development.