The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has assured that the Federal Government would not allow polytechnics derail from fulfilling its mandates as skills, research and innovative platforms for Nigerian experts.
The agency reassured of its readiness to ensure that polytechnics churn out quality graduates with relevant skills, research orientation and innovative thinking that can reset the nation on the path of growth and development.
The NBTE’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, stated this during a facility tour of a private tertiary institution, Montgomery Polytechnic, for accreditation process prior to commencement of operations in 2025.
The board’s delegation, led by the Director of New Institutions, Hadji Bilikisu Daku, were at the permanent site of the new polytechnic to inspect facilities for proper accreditation of some courses before the commencement of academic activities.
Inspecting the facilities, Bugaje, represented by an official of the agency, Rasak Shoremekun, said quality assurance of Nigerian polytechnic education will boost its stature for global reckoning.
He commended the management of the institution for providing state- of- the- earth facilities to earn accreditation, urging them to maintain the good standard as soon as academic activities take off.
Describing polytechnic education as a vital tool for economic development, Bugaje advised the institution to place high premium on research and skill acquisition, reminding that no country can develop or make headway in innovation without adequate research and exploration.
He said: “The Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu and Federal Ministry of Education, will continue to ensure that polytechnics do not derail in their task of producing skilled and innovative graduates, who are also research driven.
“It is our vision to ensure that every polytechnic meets set standards before proper accreditation, and we shall pursue this with vigour and strength.”
The founder, Femi Bamisile, said he established the institution to fulfill his passion and love for the development of education in the country.
Bamisile, who represents Gbonyin/Emure/Ekiti East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, solicited the support of the agency as well as stakeholders in developing the institution.
“I need the support of all Nigerians to bring my vision to fruition. Polytechnic education is pivotal to the survival and success of our nation. We are now seeing the reality of having graduates that are skilled and innovative. This is a fact we can’t run away from,” Bamisile said.
The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Francis Olowe, said the institution is set to commence academic activities as soon as it gets the NBTE’s nod to do so.
