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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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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