Skills, not just certificates, will drive Nigeria’s future – Tinubu

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File: President Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu stresses the need for greater investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), saying skills acquisition is vital to Nigeria’s economic revival and youth empowerment.

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Tinubu made the remarks at the combined convocation and 70th anniversary of Kaduna Polytechnic held at the institution in Kaduna on Saturday.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anniversary celebrates 60,803 graduates from the 2015/2016 to 2024/2025 academic sessions.

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Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, the president said the era of relying solely on academic certificates for success was over.

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He urged graduates to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation, and practical skills to stay relevant in a changing global economy.

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Tinubu said the federal government remained committed to strengthening educational institutions and creating opportunities for young Nigerians through initiatives that support learning, innovation, and enterprise.

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He cited programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Students’ Venture Initiative as key efforts to promote self-reliance under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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The president also urged Kaduna Polytechnic’s management to harness digital opportunities to improve learning and position the institution for global competitiveness.

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In his remarks, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education and skills development.

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He announced plans to build a modern theatre and access roads across the institution’s campuses.

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Sani also donated N50 million toward the convocation and commissioned a new lecture theatre complex.

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He called on alumni, private organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to support educational development nationwide.

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Earlier, the institution’s rector, Dr Suleiman Umar, said the polytechnic remained focused on producing graduates who create jobs and solve problems, not just seek employment.

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Umar disclosed that of the 60,803 graduates, 1,725 earned distinctions, 13,920 upper credits, 35,127 lower credits, and 9,856 passes, while an additional 175 received certificates.

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Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Oluwakemi Pinheiro, urged graduates to prioritise value creation and entrepreneurship.

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He announced scholarships for 152 students from his personal allowances and commended the management and staff for sustaining quality education.

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The Registrar, Muhammad Tanimu, announced fellowships for several distinguished Nigerians, including Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad; Hadiza Bala Usman; Gov. Uba Sani; and the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Nuhu Bamalli.

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Responding on behalf of the awardees, the Emir of Zazzau thanked the institution for the honour and urged graduates to uphold discipline and the values of Kaduna Polytechnic. (NAN)

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