Tinubu hails Nasarawa Polytechnic for excellence in technical education

n n

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Governing Council, management and staff of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, for transforming the institution into a centre of excellence in technical education.

n

He said the accreditation of new programmes in renewable energy technology, artificial intelligence and mechatronics engineering, among others, as well as the establishment of a Skills Innovation Hub, reflected the institution’s commitment to advancing technical education and equipping students with relevant skills.

n

The President gave the commendation at the institution’s 11th combined convocation ceremony held in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Saturday.

n

Represented by the Director of Polytechnics and Allied Institutions in the Federal Ministry of Education, Amy Igwe, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising technical education, describing it as critical to Nigeria’s economic transformation and development.

n

He noted that Nigeria’s industrial future depends on the quality of its technical and vocational workforce.

n

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, this administration has made technical education the engine room of our economic transformation. Some of the remarkable achievements of this administration include funding and infrastructure development, curriculum reform, student support and industry linkages.

n

“The Federal Government, through the Bank of Industry and SMEDAN, has earmarked N50 billion for graduate entrepreneurship loans in 2026,” he said.

n

The President added that the institution was well-positioned to lead research and innovation in mineral processing, beneficiation and clean energy solutions, given Nasarawa State’s abundant solid mineral resources.

n

“I charge the leadership of this polytechnic to deepen collaboration with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, the Mining Cadastre Office and private investors to turn Nasarawa’s mineral wealth into jobs and revenue for our people,” he said.

n

Tinubu also called for the integration of civic education, national values and peacebuilding into students’ training, stressing that Nigeria needs graduates who are not only skilled but also patriotic and peace-loving.

n

In his address, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by his deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, pledged his administration’s continued commitment to science and technical education.

n

“This is based on our conviction that technical education is the surest path to socio-economic development. It is in this regard that the state government established the Wing Commander Ibrahim Abdullahi Vocational and Technology Institute, Lafia, as well as skills acquisition centres in other parts of the state.

n

“This is aimed at achieving the government’s objective of youth empowerment, skills development and the promotion of science, technology and innovation in the state,” he said.

n

The governor also commended the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, for partnering with the state government to promote science and technical education.

n

“This is how it should be, as it demonstrates our collective resolve to create opportunities for our people through technical education,” he said.

n

He also appreciated the institution for conferring fellowship awards on him at the 10th combined convocation and on his deputy at the 11th edition, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the institution’s confidence in their leadership.

n

In her convocation address, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, Dr Hauwa Muhammad, said the ceremony covered graduates from the 2021/2022, 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions.

n

“We have gathered to confer Diplomas, National Diplomas (ND) and Higher National Diplomas (HND) on deserving graduands and to honour those who have distinguished themselves through outstanding academic performance, exemplary character, innovation and service,” she said.

n

She disclosed that a total of 48,360 students graduated during the combined convocation, while seven distinguished Nigerians were conferred with the institution’s Fellowship Award.

n

They include the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe; the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad; Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada; Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda; Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje; the Emir of Lafia and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I (retd.); and the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hon. Ahmed Aliyu Tijjani.

n

Muhammad congratulated the graduating students, their families and the fellowship award recipients, assuring them that the institution would continue to pursue policies that improve staff welfare, enhance motivation and create a conducive working environment.

n

Speaking with journalists, Senator Ahmed Wadada (APC, Nasarawa West) expressed appreciation for the fellowship award conferred on him by his alma mater.

n

“I feel fulfilled and honoured. More importantly, I see this as a challenge to do even more in service to humanity so that I continue to merit greater honours in the future,” he said.

n

The senator also disclosed that the bill he sponsored to upgrade the institution into a University of Mining was still undergoing legislative consideration, expressing optimism that it would eventually be passed.

n n