LAGOS — Polytechnic students and education stakeholders have renewed calls for stronger technical and vocational education as Nigeria seeks to develop a workforce equipped with practical skills. The call followed the Beyond Campus Conference organised by the National Association of Polytechnic Students at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos. Participants said polytechnic education remains an important pathway for developing technical expertise, entrepreneurship and industrial capacity. Unlike purely theoretical programmes, technical education places significant emphasis on practical knowledge and the ability to apply skills in real-world situations. This makes it particularly relevant to sectors such as manufacturing, construction, engineering, information technology and other technical services. Stakeholders said Nigeria needs to give greater attention to the role of polytechnics in national development. For many years, technical education has sometimes been treated as less prestigious than university education. That perception has contributed to challenges in attracting students and investment to vocational institutions. Changing that perception will require stronger links between training and employment. Employers can help by identifying the skills they require and working with institutions to develop relevant programmes. Students who receive practical training are more likely to understand workplace requirements before graduation. Industry partnerships can also provide opportunities for internships and apprenticeships. Training facilities remain another important issue. Practical courses require laboratories, workshops, equipment and materials that must be maintained regularly. Outdated equipment can leave students with skills that do not match current industry practices. Government funding can support these investments, while companies can contribute equipment, expertise and training opportunities. Teachers and instructors also need continuous professional development. Technology changes quickly, and instructors must remain familiar with developments in their fields. Partnerships with companies can allow trainers to gain exposure to current industrial practices. Technical education can also contribute to entrepreneurship. Graduates with skills in areas such as electrical installation, fabrication, automotive maintenance, construction and digital technology can establish small businesses if they have access to finance and business support. Such enterprises can create employment beyond the individual graduate. Policymakers therefore need to see technical education as part of a wider economic strategy. Nigeria's large youth population requires multiple pathways into productive employment. Not every young person needs to follow the same academic route, and vocational education can provide opportunities for students whose interests and abilities are more practical. The quality of qualifications is also important. Employers need confidence that graduates possess the competencies represented by their certificates. Credible assessment and accreditation can strengthen that confidence. Polytechnic institutions can also strengthen collaboration with universities where appropriate. Joint research and technology-development projects can create opportunities for students and staff to exchange knowledge. The Beyond Campus Conference highlighted the need to place practical education closer to the centre of national development discussions. If Nigeria invests consistently in technical institutions, strengthens industry partnerships and improves the public perception of vocational careers, polytechnic education can contribute significantly to economic growth. Stakeholders said the objective should not simply be to produce more graduates but to produce graduates whose skills are useful, adaptable and relevant to the changing economy.