The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, has stated that polytechnics can play a crucial role in improving the nation’s economy and are capable of moving Nigeria from being a consumer to a producer nation.
As stated by him, polytechnics have the capacity to provide solution to the challenges of food shortage and its attendant crisis in Nigeria and the world at large.
Adamu, who stated this during the 14th combined convocation ceremony of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida in Niger State, emphasised that polytechnics need to be involved in the administration’s bid to diversify the economy from oil to agriculture and mining.
“Today, the country needs graduates of polytechnics more than ever before, giving the emerging world food crisis. I am aware that the polytechnics have the capacity to provide solutions to the ongoing challenges of food shortage and its attendant crisis in Nigeria in particular and the world in general.
“The role of science and technology in the development of any nation cannot be over-emphasised as no nation can afford to depend on borrowed or imported technology for its industrialisation. Polytechnics are therefore expected to play a crucial role in this regard.”
Adamu, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), called on NBTE to ensure that standards are not compromised in polytechnic. She stressed the need to ensure strict adherence to the 70:30 carrying capacity policy in favour of technology courses.
Also, the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, reiterated that polytechnics in the country have the capacity to address the high level of unemployment in the country if they receive the desired attention from governments.
As stated by him, polytechnics are widely known for impacting innovative, inventive and entrepreneurial skills on their students.
“Once polytechnics remain focused and receive the desired attention, the disturbing high-level of unemployment being experienced in this country today would be drastically reduced considering the innovative and incentive skills being acquired by polytechnic graduates.”
Governor Bello, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Muhammad Ketso, stated there is a need to get things right for the nation to get the best out of its educational system.
He stated more attention should be given to functional and entrepreneurial education in polytechnics adding that, “entrepreneurial education is the bedrock of socio-economic development and societal transformation.”
.....The Nation