Nasarawa Polytechnic Earns Presidential Praise for Technical Education Prowess

The Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, has received high commendation from President Bola Tinubu for its outstanding contributions to technical education, transforming into a hub of excellence. The President highlighted the institution's dedication to advancing technical skills and equipping students with relevant expertise, citing the recent accreditation of cutting-edge programmes in areas like renewable energy technology, artificial intelligence, and mechatronics engineering, along with the establishment of a Skills Innovation Hub.

President Tinubu conveyed this appreciation during the polytechnic's 11th combined convocation ceremony, which took place on Saturday in the Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Represented by Amy Igwe, the Director of Polytechnics and Allied Institutions at the Federal Ministry of Education, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to prioritizing technical education, describing it as indispensable for Nigeria's economic transformation and growth. He stressed that the nation's industrial future hinges on the caliber of its technical and vocational workforce.

“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,” the President stated. He further announced that the Federal Government, through the Bank of Industry and SMEDAN, has allocated N50 billion for graduate entrepreneurship loans in 2026.

Given Nasarawa State's rich solid mineral resources, President Tinubu emphasized that the institution is strategically positioned to spearhead research and innovation in mineral processing, beneficiation, and clean energy solutions. He urged the polytechnic's leadership to foster stronger collaborations with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), the Mining Cadastre Office, and private investors to convert Nasarawa's mineral wealth into employment opportunities and revenue for its citizens. Additionally, Tinubu advocated for the incorporation of civic education, national values, and peacebuilding into student training, asserting the need for graduates who are not only skilled but also patriotic and committed to peace.

In his address, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by his deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, pledged the state government's continued support for science and technical education. He stated, “This is based on our conviction that technical education is the surest path to socio-economic development.” The Governor mentioned the establishment of the Wing Commander Ibrahim Abdullahi Vocational and Technology Institute in Lafia, alongside skills acquisition centers across the state, aimed at youth empowerment, skill development, and promoting science, technology, and innovation. Governor Sule also commended the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, for its partnership with the state in advancing science and technical education, viewing it as a shared commitment to creating opportunities for the populace through technical education. He also expressed gratitude for the fellowship awards conferred on him at the 10th convocation and on his deputy at the 11th, interpreting it as a testament to the institution's confidence in their leadership.

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, Dr. Hauwa Muhammad, revealed that the convocation ceremony encompassed graduates from the 2021/2022, 2022/2023, 2023/2024, and 2024/2025 academic sessions. She stated, “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.” A total of 48,360 students graduated, and seven eminent Nigerians received the institution’s Fellowship Award. These distinguished individuals included Dr. Emmanuel Akabe (Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State), Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad (Minister of State for Education), Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda (Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education), Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje (Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education), Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I (retd.) (Emir of Lafia and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs), and Hon. Ahmed Aliyu Tijjani (Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons).

Dr. Muhammad extended her congratulations to the graduating students, their families, and the fellowship award recipients, assuring them of the institution’s ongoing commitment to policies that enhance staff welfare, motivation, and a conducive work environment. Speaking to journalists, Senator Ahmed Wadada (APC, Nasarawa West) conveyed his appreciation for the fellowship award from his alma mater, stating, “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.” The Senator also confirmed that his sponsored bill to elevate the institution to a University of Mining is still under legislative consideration, expressing optimism for its eventual passage.