By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Idah, Kogi State Dr Yahaya Usman has identified skill acquisition as a viable tools that can advance the cause of technological development of Nigeria.
Dr Usman stated this while receiving an award as the best Rector in the North Central bestowed on him by Nigeria Education Merit Award Platform (NEMAP) in Lokoja on Saturday.
He said Polytechnic education was principally established by the federal government for the purpose of achieving the nation’s quest for industrialization and technological development.
The Rector who expressed optimism that through skill acquisition the objectives of Polytechnic education can be achieved , said the step already taken by the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE),
Professor Idris Bugaje aimed at encouraging skill acquisition, if approved by the federal government would reduced graduate unemployment.
“This effort means that Polytechnic students will no longer come out with single certificate, they will come out with additional certificate in skill acquisition and this will enhance the nation’s technological development.
“If this arrangement put forward by Professor Bugaje succeed and the federal government agreed to do it, no Polytechnic graduate will begin to look for white kola job” he said.
Speaking on the merit award bestowed on him, the Rector assured that the award would spur him to do more for humanity and thank the organizers for identifying him as the best Rector in the North Central.
In a lecture presented at the occasion by the Provost of College of Education Technical Kabba , Dr Jagboro Olusola Victoria titled “The impact of digital innovation Nigeria’s education development” said digital innovation has made it possible for students and lecturers to collaborate and communicate effectively, regardless of their geographical location.
“Platforms like educational apps, online quizzes, and multimedia resources have transformed the traditional lecture format into an interactive experience, encouraging students to participate actively in their learning process” she stated.