The Nasarawa State Government has donated N50m meant to facilitate the establishment of a workshop for the department of mechanical engineering at the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa.
Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, announced the donation while delivering a goodwill message at the 10th combined convocation of the institution, on Saturday.
Engineer Sule said the donation is part of the efforts by the Nasarawa State Government to contribute towards the development of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa.
He pointed out that, having realised the potentials of technical education to the overall development of the country, government at all levels, is working in synergy to ensure that the educational sector, particularly science and technical education, receives the utmost attention.
The Governor used the opportunity of the event to call on spirited individuals and corporate organisations, to continue to contribute their quota towards the development of not only the polytechnics but others institutions of higher learning, especially in the area of scholarship to assist exceptional students in the fields of science and technology.
Engineer Sule equally used the opportunity to restate the determination of his administration to place high premium on education, being the bedrock of the society.
“This is based on our conviction that technical education is sure way for socioeconomic development and independence,” he said.
To this end, the Governor said his administration established the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Skills Acquisition Centre in Lafia, while also continuously promoting and equipping, as well as develop science and technical education throughout the state.
“This is geared towards realising government objectives to equip our people with necessary skills for self employment and actualisation, as well as promoting science, technology and innovation in the state,” Engineer Sule stated.
He added that, as part of the commitment to promote science education in the state, his administration approved the establishment of the faculties of medical sciences and engineering at the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK).
The Governor disclosed that necessary groundwork has been completed for the take-off of the faculties, with the faculty of engineering intended to focus impetus to drive the technical advancement of the state, aimed at giving citizens the opportunity to acquire science and technical education for socioeconomic and industrial development.
While commending the governing council, management and entire staff of the polytechnic for hosting the historic event of the 10th combined convocation ceremony of the institution, Engineer Sule congratulated all the graduands, stressing that the knowledge and skills which they acquired during their studies will be necessary tools for accelerating their career development and by extension add value to the technological, industrial and the socioeconomic development of the nation.
He particularly appreciated the polytechnic for enriching the Nasarawa State Government with professionals, technocrats and administrators who having benefited from the academic excellence of this institution, have continued to exhibit exemplary performances in the public service.
Engineer Sule further expressed appreciation on the decision of the polytechnic to confer on him the fellowship of the institution in recognition of the modest efforts by his administration towards the development of education in the state.
He also, on behalf of other awardees, appreciated all the kind comments and the recognition of the various awardees.
“I’m indeed most honoured to be a recipient of the Fellowship of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa (FFPN). The decision of the governing council and indeed management of the institution to confer on us with the FFPN is in no doubt a demonstration of your trust, confidence in our commitment towards providing effective and efficient service delivery for our people.
“I’m humbled by this recognition and I assure you that this gesture will remain in my memory and will no doubt continue to spur and to further us in our commitment to enhance technical education in the state,” he stated.
Earlier in his remarks, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Dr. Abdullahi Alhassan Ahmed, announced that the academic board of the polytechnic has recommended and council has approved the conferment of the institutions honorary fellowships on six eminent personalities for their contribution to humanity and national development.
The Rector said the convocation is one of numerous achievements recorded by the current management of the polytechnic, which has not relented in it resolve to further develop the polytechnic in terms of academic excellence, infrastructure and human capacity development.
Highlight of the event was the conferment of the fellowship of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa on the Governor and five others namely, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Shamsuna Ahmad, Hon Aminu Suleiman Goro, Chairman House Committee on Tertiary and Services, HRH Alhaji Usman Jibrin, Emir of Nasarawa, HRH Alhaji Halilu Bala Usman, the Osu Ojiri and a posthumous award to the late Alhaji Usman Mairiga, the 9th Emir of Nasarawa.
