Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged to implement supportive legislation aimed at boosting the capabilities of the nation’s polytechnics.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, with Senator Dandutse Muntari standing in for him, Akpabio addressed a one-day retreat for National Assembly members, governing council chairs, rectors, and various education stakeholders.
Organized in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the event was themed “Repositioning the Nigerian Polytechnics to Deliver on Nigeria’s Industrialisation and Youth Empowerment.”
Akpabio emphasized that President Bola Tinubu is dedicated to fostering sustainable employment opportunities and driving industrial growth through the polytechnic system as part of the renewed hope agenda.
“Polytechnics serve as the foundation for skills development and innovation, necessitating a curriculum overhaul and improved funding to help them achieve what others have not,” he stated.
He pointed out that many developed nations, particularly China and various European countries, rely heavily on skills acquisition to foster innovation.
“It’s crucial to tap into these innovations; hence, we aim to leverage polytechnics and the educational framework under our leadership to promote sustainable development,” Akpabio added.
Addressing the potential industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), he advocated for thorough discussions, stressing that strikes rarely resolve institutional challenges.
He assured that the presidency and education leaders are striving to meet demands promptly while also focusing on infrastructural improvements in educational institutions.
