The inclusion of new technologies in the curriculum of tertiary institutions, particularly polytechnics will enhance students’ digital literacy to pave way for a well–informed society.

Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Technical and Vocational Education, Prof. Joseph Odemuyiwa made the assertion, while delivering a virtual keynote address at the 2nd National Conference of the School of Communication and Information Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, positing that since the polytechnic’s focus is on technology, the need to infuse new technologies such as cloud computing, robust device, video channel, robotic process automation and artificial intelligence among others, could not be overstressed. 

Odemuyiwa who spoke on the theme: “Emerging Trends in Information and Communication Practices for Societal Advancement”, maintained that the world has advanced in the area of new technologies in information and communication, advising students to also evolve with the trend to be relevant and make meaningful contributions in the society.

He said that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration would continue to work towards promoting the inclusion of new technologies in information and communication as it had embarked on series of technological-driven programmes aimed at enhancing the ICT skills of its people.

‘’As a government, we are not losing sight of our responsibility to contribute to the emerging trends through global communication practice. To this end, we have a well-equipped ICT centre in the Ogun TECHHUB, Abeokuta, where we have regular training programmes to prepare our youths for latest communication practices required in an advanced global society. This role is being taking serious, hence the establishment of Ogun State Bureau of Information and Communication Technology’’, he submitted.

The Governor’s Aide said ‘’we live in the era of digitalisation that necessitates digital literacy’’, revealing that in this modern world,  the possession of needed skills to live, learn, and work in the present society where communication and access to information is increasing through digital technologies like internet platforms, social media and mobile devices was a must for all’’.

Prof. Odemuyiwa described undergraduates as catalysts for industrialisation, change, innovation and promoters of civilisation and globalisation, who must embrace new technologies in information and communication, pointing out that without technology, ideas would become obsolete irrespective of their potentials.

Speaking earlier, Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Olusegun Aluko highlighted that the choice of the theme became imperative to get students and teachers acquainted and be part of the transition era the world is experiencing, to further help them adopt technological approach in executing ideas.