Ogun State Governor – Dapo Abiodun

The Ogun State Government has called for enhanced collaboration between academic institutions and the transportation industry to produce highly skilled professionals and improve service delivery within the sector.

Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, made the call on Friday while receiving a delegation from the Department of Transportation, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, led by the Head of Department, Dr Ajala Taiwo. The meeting took place at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abeokuta.

Dairo noted that the Ministry operates a multi-modal transportation system, which provides practical learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in transportation and logistics. He emphasised that exposure to real-world challenges would equip students with hands-on experience and better prepare them for the demands of the industry.

“It is to bridge the gap between theory and practice. We need to synergise the efforts of industry and academia to develop a sustainable and standard transportation system,” he said.

The commissioner highlighted the importance of such engagements in identifying young talents who could be absorbed into the state’s transportation workforce in the future. He also urged other institutions across the country to pursue similar partnerships.

Welcoming the delegation, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Aderonke Tokunbo-Peters, said the visit would include an interactive session between students and key ministry officials. She explained that the engagement was designed to enhance the students’ understanding of transport planning, regulation, and policy implementation in the public sector.

Earlier, Dr Ajala Taiwo, Head of Department, said the visit was part of the department’s strategy to expose students to real-world professional environments and mentorship. He disclosed that over 500 students are currently studying Transportation at the institution, but only a select group of class representatives were brought due to space constraints.

He noted that the representatives would relay insights and experiences gained during the visit to their peers on campus.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Elegbede Emmanuel expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Government for fostering an environment conducive to industry engagement. He added that the visit would significantly enrich their understanding of transportation management and policy.