EKSCOTECH Seeks Stronger Partnership with Health Educators, Targets Degree Programme in Health Education.

‎EKSCOTECH Seeks Stronger Partnership with Health Educators, Targets Degree Programme in Health Education.

‎The Rector of Ekiti State College of Technology (EKSCOTECH), Ijero-Ekiti, Dr. Olufemi Olubamise, has reaffirmed the Institution's commitment to fostering a strong partnership with the Nigerian Association of Health Educators (NAHE), Ekiti State Chapter, as part of efforts to strengthen Health Education and produce highly skilled health professionals in Ekiti State and beyond.

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‎Dr. Olubamise made the commitment while receiving the leadership of the Association during an advocacy and familiarization visit to the Polytechnic.

‎Welcoming the delegation, the Rector commended the current executive of the Association for the remarkable progress it has recorded in promoting the interests of its members and advancing the Health Education profession. He described the Association as one that has continued to provide purposeful leadership and create opportunities for professional growth and development.

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‎The Rector observed that EKSCOTECH has a considerable number of Health Educators among its academic staff, many of whom possess Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Health Education, thereby positioning the Institution as a leading centre for the training of Health Education professionals.

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‎He disclosed that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) had approved the Polytechnic to commence the National Diploma (ND) programme in Health Education, expressing optimism that the Institution would also secure the approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC) later this year to begin degree programmes in Health Education.

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‎Dr. Olubamise stressed that a closer working relationship between EKSCOTECH and the Nigerian Association of Health Educators would strengthen professional development, improve health literacy and enable both organisations to make greater impact in society through the training of competent health manpower.

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‎Responding on behalf of the Association, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Association of Health Educators (NAHE), Ekiti State Chapter, Comrade Ogundola Alice Iyabo, explained that the delegation was at the Polytechnic on an advocacy and familiarization visit following the re-introduction of the Health Education programme at EKSCOTECH.

She congratulated the management of the Institution on the successful re-introduction of the programme and appealed for sustained collaboration between the Polytechnic and the Association in promoting excellence in Health Education.

‎According to her, the visit was aimed at identifying with the Institution, familiarising lecturers and pioneer students with the Association's professional standards, ethics and registration requirements, as well as exploring areas of collaboration through seminars, workshops, mentorship programmes and student induction activities.

Comrade Ogundola emphasized that Health Education remains the foundation of every successful health intervention, describing it as the vital link between the health sector and the communities they serve. She noted that students should be adequately exposed to the numerous career opportunities available in the profession and assured the management of the Association's readiness to partner with the Institution in training and mentoring future Health Educators.

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‎In his response, the Rector assured the Association of the Polytechnic's readiness to sustain the partnership, adding that opportunities would be created for in-service professional development. He further stated that newly admitted students would be adequately introduced to the Association and encouraged to become active participants, while lecturers who are members of NAHE would play strategic roles in expanding access to Health Education through the Institution's distance learning initiative expected to extend academic opportunities to Ado-Ekiti.

He expressed confidence that the collaboration would further strengthen the cordial relationship between the Polytechnic and the Association and create a platform for both organisations to contribute more meaningfully to the development of the health sector and society at large.

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‎The advocacy visit was attended by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr. Modupe Ogunrinde; the Deputy Rector (Administration), Mrs. Iyabo Oladapo; while the Registrar, Mr. Sunday Emmanuel Ayodeji, was represented by senior officials of the Registry Division, Mrs. Kemi Adefidipe, Mr. Matthew Ojo and Mrs. Foluke Faluyi. Also in attendance were members of the management team of the Polytechnic and executive members of the Nigerian Association of Health Educators (NAHE), Ekiti State Chapter.