Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and his Nasarawa State counterpart Engr. Abdullahi Sule were among guests that graced the 31st-38th Combined Convocation ceremony of the Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi with a commitment to pay more attention to technical education which is the bedrock of entrepreneurship, job creation and productivity.
Lalong who is the Visitor to the Plateau State Polytechnic said the Convocation was long overdue as it has not been held over a long period of time due to various challenges.
This situation he said informed Government’s directive for the convocation to hold which offers the institution the opportunity to immediately clear all backlog of graduation and certificate awards.
The Governor therefore directed that henceforth, all Government tertiary institutions must work hard to hold convocation ceremonies at the end of each academic year as it was a sure way of building confidence, maintaining standards, and motivating the graduands to pursue their careers with zeal and contribute to the development of the State and nation at large.
He said “Our Government has in the past seven years demonstrated its belief in skill-based education that stimulates entrepreneurship and human capital development. It is our conviction that there is no better legacy to bequeath to upcoming generations than giving them education that goes beyond paper qualification. In the light of this, the Rescue Administration has engaged in reinvigorating moribund Technical and Vocational Education by rehabilitating old Technical Schools and building new ones.
Through the Lalong Legacy Projects, we are constructing the Technical Schools in Pankshin, Shendam and upgrading the old Technical School (Butex) in Bukuru. We intend to equip these schools with the modern tools and machineries once they are completed. Through these institutions, we hope to generate the skillful manpower that is needed to create jobs and contribute to the development of our economy”.
He charged the graduands to focus on using their education for productivity rather than the fruitless search for white collar jobs.
“I challenge you to step out of this institution with the mindset of entrepreneurs and job creators rather than job seekers and applicants. You are all aware that white collar jobs are very scarce and Government is finding it difficult to meet its obligations to existing employees. This has made white collar employment extremely difficult and even less fashionable. What is the focus today is entrepreneurship, innovation and skill development. As graduands of this Polytechnic which prides itself as the hub for technical education, you should be at the forefront of starting your businesses.
Government will support you through the Plateau Small and Medium Enterprises Agency (PLASMIDA) and other relevant programmes such as those by the ITF and the Federal Government”.
Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who studied Mechanical Engineering at the Plateau State Polytechnic and chaired the occasion, said he was proud to have passed through the Polytechnic as one of its first students where his love for technical education developed and grew.
He recalled with nostalgia his days at the Polytechnic and Plateau State when peace, harmony and trust thrived among all citizens and residents regardless of their backgrounds.
Governor Sule commended Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong for working hard to restore peace and security in Plateau State thereby restoring its fortunes as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
He appealed to those causing trouble in Plateau State and other parts of the country to desist because such actions have denied the younger generation the beauty, serenity and attraction that Plateau State and its good people offer to the world.
Chairman of the Governing Council, Plateau State Polytechnic Miskoom Kevin Kwaplong said the institution has grown in many ramifications and continues to perform its responsibilities of training skilled manpower for Plateau and Nigeria at large.
He commended the Lalong administration for paying attention to many challenges of the Polytechnic which are being addressed to enhance teaching and learning in the school.
Rector of the Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi Bldr. John Datoegoem Dawam said the institution has made progress in both physical and academic frontiers despite some of its challenges.
He said the Plateau State Polytechnic was fortunate to have an additional technical higher institution through the magnanimity of President Muhammadu Buhari who approved the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic Nyak, Shendam LGA. He pledged to ensure a robust collaboration with the new institution.
The Rector also expressed the appreciation of the Polytechnic to TetFund, NBTE, NCCE, and other bodies who have continously supported the school.
The Polytechnic’s Fellowship Awards were bestowed on deserving individuals including Governor Simon Lalong, former ES Tetfund Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Idris Wase among others.
Apart from Certificates, Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas awarded to deserving graduands, Special Awards were given to best graduating students in various courses.
Governor Lalong and his Nasarawa State counterpart Engr. Abdullahi Sule later inspected some workshops in the Polytechnic as well as commissioned the new library complex and twin theatre.
