By Ephraim Oseji

Engineering leader and researcher, Ologe Solomon Ochuko, has called for greater investment in technical education and applied research in Nigeria, saying the country cannot achieve sustainable industrial growth while undervaluing technical talent and polytechnic education.

Ochuko, a graduate of Nigeria’s polytechnic system who later became a United Kingdom Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, IMechE, made the call while reflecting on the future of engineering education and workforce development.

Currently involved in advanced vibroacoustic and predictive engineering research at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, UPC, Barcelona, Spain, Ochuko said many of the world’s leading technology-focused institutions either evolved from polytechnics or maintain strong applied science traditions.

According to him, the challenge facing Nigerian polytechnics is not lack of competence, but limitations in institutional development and policy direction.

“Polytechnics were created to develop practical knowledge, technical skills, innovation, and industry-focused expertise,” he said. “These are exactly the capabilities modern economies require to compete globally.”

Ochuko’s comments come amid growing conversations within the education and industrial sectors over the relevance of technical education to economic development, manufacturing growth and innovation.

Before relocating to Europe for research engagements, Ochuko served as Dean, School of Engineering, and Head of the Marine Engineering Department at Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, where he led initiatives focused on accreditation, curriculum development, laboratory improvement and industry collaboration.

His professional career has also extended into international engineering leadership and professional service. He previously served as a Council Member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, Europe Region, and currently serves as a reviewer and engineering awards judge for the Society of Women Engineers, SWE, in the United States, assessing engineering leadership, innovation and professional excellence.

Industry stakeholders say his career trajectory reflects the untapped potential within Nigeria’s technical education system and the opportunities available to graduates when practical training is combined with global exposure and institutional support.

Speaking further, Ochuko advocated the gradual transformation of qualified polytechnics into Universities of Applied Sciences capable of delivering advanced engineering education, innovation and industry-driven research.

He stressed the need for increased investment in laboratories, stronger partnerships between industry and academic institutions, and clearer academic progression pathways for technical graduates.

According to him, countries seeking competitiveness in modern industries must prioritise the development of technically skilled manpower.

“Technical education should not be viewed as lesser education,” he said. “The future of industrial growth depends on how effectively countries develop and utilise their technical workforce.”

Observers in the engineering and education sectors note that the growing global emphasis on applied sciences, manufacturing innovation and sustainable engineering solutions has renewed attention on the importance of technical institutions and workforce-oriented education models.

At UPC Barcelona, Ochuko’s current research focuses on sustainable engineering solutions, advanced modelling techniques and predictive engineering systems, areas considered critical to future industrial and technological advancement.