Imo Innovative Technologist Honoured with Bashorun Title; …Makes case for HND/BSC Dichotomies

Owerri-based Industrialist and Expert-Advocate for Technological Advancement of Nigeria Engr. Leonard Okereke, was, on Saturday, October, 5, 2013, honoured with the prestigious “Bashorun of Igbarun-Ibadan of Ibadan land (the Peoples General in Oyo state, Nigeria in recognition of his numerous great achievements in the promotion of Engineering-Technology in the country.
Speaking to Trumpeta on the occasion of the chieftaincy conferred on him by the Dynasty, the Head of Igbarun-Ibadan land, HRH, Bale Adeyemi, Engr. Okereke said that the honour bestowed on him was informed by his visit to inaugurate, the National Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATC) chapter in Ibadan, adding that a member of the Association, which he is the National president, nominated him for conferment of the title.
Expressing elation over the chieftaincy title of “Bashorun conferred on him by an ethnic nationality outside the Igbo race, Engr. Okereke, also, member, Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (CROEN) stated that the quest for harmonization of difference that exist between Nigerian graduates of Colleges of Technology and the universities is the only veritable means of achieving technology- driven economy in the country, which he said, is the main-stay of most Asian economies.
Also, describing as economic sabotage, impediments associated with the attendant bureaucratic bottlenecks in the establishment of college development industries in Nigeria Engr. Okereke, maintained that the country, would only attain technological advancement like countries such as Russia, China, Indonesia, Malaga, Singapore among others if graduates in relevant technology fields are empowered by government to contribute in revamping the national dwindling economy by innovative craftsmanship.
He however, urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to inculate the will in developing the Technology sector by promoting dexterity of Higher National Diploma (HND) holders among Nigerian graduates with a view to attaining a technology-driven National economy for socio-economic and technological progress of the countries.