President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stressed the need for greater investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), saying skills acquisition remains critical to Nigeria’s economic revival and youth empowerment.
Tinubu stated this at the combined convocation and 70th anniversary of Kaduna Polytechnic on Saturday in Kaduna.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event celebrated 60,803 graduates from the institution’s 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 had passed.
He urged graduates to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation and practical skills to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
Tinubu said the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening educational institutions and creating opportunities for young Nigerians through policies and initiatives that promote learning, innovation and enterprise.
He cited programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Students’ Venture Initiative as part of efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to encourage self-reliance among youths.
The president also urged the management of Kaduna Polytechnic to leverage digital opportunities to improve learning and position the institution for global competitiveness.
In his remarks, Gov. Uba Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education and skills development.
Sani announced plans to construct a modern theatre and access roads across the institution’s campuses.
He also donated N50 million towards the convocation and inaugurated a new lecture theatre complex.
The governor called on alumni, private organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support educational development in the country.
Earlier, the Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic, Dr Suleiman Umar, said the institution remained committed to producing graduates capable of creating jobs and solving societal problems.
Umar disclosed that out of the 60,803 graduates, 1,725 earned distinctions, 13,920 obtained upper credits, 35,127 graduated with lower credits, while 9,856 earned passes.
He added that 175 others received certificates.
Also speaking, Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Dr Oluwakemi Pinheiro, urged graduates to prioritise value creation and entrepreneurship.
Pinheiro announced scholarships for 152 students from his personal allowances and commended the management and staff for sustaining quality education standards.
The Registrar, Muhammad Tanimu, announced honorary fellowships for several distinguished Nigerians, including the Minister of Education, 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 core values of Kaduna Polytechnic.
