The rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi in Edo State, Dr Salisu Shehu Umar and the executive secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof Idris Bugaje, have been applauded for adopting innovative measures and partnering with investors to improve the learning and teaching environment for both students and staff.
Yesterday, the commendation came from a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Abuja.
The CSOs said Umar had lived up to the expectations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of a skill-based education in the country.
The CSOs said Bugaje had spearheaded skill acquisition in education in Nigeria. He added that his vision and focus gave impetus to technical education institutions willing to embrace youth empowerment through skill-based education.
At a press conference jointly addressed by the coalition leaders, Comrades Danesi Momoh and Ude-Umanta, they asserted that Auchi Polytechnic had established the departments of Printing Technology, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, Welding and Fabrication, Taxation, and Supply Chain Management to increase its technologically/skill-based courses and departments.
Momoh said the school boasts a modern Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, which trains students in various skills such as phone and computer repairs, automobile repairs, welding and fabrication, paint production, and the production of blocks, interlocking tiles, and concrete products.
He added that the polytechnic under Dr Umar had also provided broadband Internet services to enable seamless communication and academic activities, established the Auchi Polytechnic Microfinance Bank, launched the open and digital Distance Learning and Flexible E-Learning Centre, facilitated digital learning and training, created student portal for results and identity cards, and enhanced academic administration processes.
According to them, the rector also remodelled the school library to meet modern academic standards, built a computer laboratory for the School of Environmental Sciences, and updated the School of ICT Phase 2 for better service delivery.
On student welfare, Momoh said the management built the Polytechnic Cottage Hospital Annex to provide students in the hostel areas with access to healthcare and achieved the accreditation of over 76 courses, thereby ending students‘ apprehension.
Momoh said, „He (Umar) also attracted many developments, including a 250-capacity ICT Centre donated by Apostle Suleiman of Omega Fire Ministries and another 350-capacity lecture theatre from Dr Ebenezer Onyeagu, thereby emphasising the federal government’s focus on attracting investments and building partnerships for development.“
The coalition strongly recommended that the Federal Polytechnic Auchi and Dr Umar‘s leadership be engaged in the productive venture towards innovative education as championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
