Business a.m.
The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has called on Nigerian polytechnic students to consider enrolling in the CIS diploma programme, noting that it offers a wealth of opportunities for professionals in the securities market, prepares students for careers in the financial market, and also helps them to become qualified securities dealers.
Oluropo Dada, the first vice president of the institute, made the call during the 15th convocation ceremony of the Lagos City Polytechnic. Dada, who was the keynote speaker at the event, advised the graduating students to expand their career through certification in the capital market.
Dada explained that the institute offers a two-level professional diploma in Securities and Investment, designed to meet the needs of those who wish to further their careers in the securities market. The programme, he explained, is intended to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become professionals in the securities industry. Dada also highlighted the many opportunities available in the Nigerian capital market, and urged the students to take advantage of these opportunities by pursuing a certification in the field.
“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,” he advised.
Speaking on the topic; “Enhancing the Standard of Tertiary Education in Nigeria”, Dada provided a critical analysis of the current state of tertiary education in the country. He noted that while there have been some improvements, there is still a long way to go in terms of meeting international standards. He specifically highlighted the need for the federal government to increase the budget for education, in line with the standards set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Dada argued that tertiary education has become an essential part of the cultural fabric of Nigeria. Regardless of a family’s economic status, most Nigerian households consider it a high priority to send their children to tertiary institutions. He noted that this is not only because of the investment potential in human capital, but also because tertiary education is seen as a prerequisite for overall economic development.
According to Dada, while the number of educational institutions and students in Nigeria has grown significantly in recent years, the quality of education has deteriorated. He pointed out that the key goals of tertiary education, such as developing high-level human resources, fostering intellectual capabilities, and acquiring physical and intellectual skills, have not been met.
Dada offered some recommendations to enhance the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria, including a comprehensive review of the state of the Nigerian tertiary education sector to draw up a strategic plan and road map to revitalise it in line with global best practices.
He also advocated for the adoption of dual education, sometimes known as vocational education or apprenticeship training. He suggested that this approach would help to transform Nigerian tertiary institutions into hubs of innovation, technology development, and entrepreneurial and creative training.
“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,” he added.
Dada suggested that tertiary institutions should partner with businesses and build industry connections to offer students the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and in-company placements. This, he said, would help to develop a practical skill-set and make students more employable upon graduation. He further advocated for investment in enterprise skills development to improve graduates in Nigeria, adding that there should be diversification of the tertiary education curriculum to meet the needs of the labour market.
The accomplished stockbroker and banker also advised that 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.
