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The Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the bill upgrading the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna, to the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Kaduna, describing the development as a significant step towards strengthening technical education, vocational training and human capital development in Nigeria.
Yakubu said the presidential assent represents an important milestone for Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria and the country at large, noting that the transformation of the institution into a university would create new opportunities for skills acquisition, technological innovation, research and youth empowerment.
He commended President Tinubu for assenting to the bill, saying the decision underscores the importance of investing in education as a strategic pathway to national development.
According to him, the upgrade has the potential to expand access to specialised technical and vocational education while equipping Nigerian youths with practical skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Yakubu noted that the initiative aligns with the broader objectives of educational reform, job creation and human capital development, stressing that strengthening technical institutions is essential to addressing unemployment and building a productive workforce.
He said, “The assent to the bill upgrading the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna, to the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Kaduna, is a welcome development for the people of Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.
“It demonstrates the importance of sustained investment in education, particularly technical and vocational training, which remains critical to preparing our young people for the demands of the modern economy.
“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assenting to this important bill. The decision provides an opportunity to strengthen technical education, promote innovation and expand the prospects available to Nigerian youths.”
Yakubu further observed that the elevation of the institution could enhance the capacity of the education sector to produce graduates with practical knowledge and industry-relevant competencies.
He said the new university should be positioned to serve as a centre for technological advancement, applied research and vocational excellence, with the potential to support industrial growth and economic diversification.
“The future of our country depends significantly on the quality of education we provide and the skills we equip our young people with. Technical and vocational education must occupy a strategic place in our national development agenda.
“By expanding the opportunities available through institutions such as the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Kaduna, we can strengthen our capacity to produce skilled graduates, encourage innovation and support the development of local industries,” he added.
The Arewa Think Tank Convener also commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who sponsored the bill, for his role in advancing the legislative process that culminated in the institution’s elevation.
Yakubu said cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government remains important in delivering policies and reforms that address the educational and developmental needs of Nigerians.
He noted that the development, as announced by Daniel Amos, the lawmaker representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, reflects the importance of collaboration among public institutions in advancing educational opportunities.
Amos had earlier praised Abbas for what he described as purposeful leadership on the bill, while also acknowledging President Tinubu’s assent as a testament to the administration’s stated commitment to educational reform and human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Yakubu urged relevant authorities to ensure that the transition from polytechnic to university is accompanied by adequate funding, modern facilities, qualified personnel and well-structured academic programmes.
According to him, the successful implementation of the upgrade will be crucial to ensuring that the institution delivers on its promise of improved research capacity, enhanced graduate employability and stronger technical expertise.
He also called for sustained investment in laboratories, workshops, digital infrastructure and industry partnerships to ensure that students acquire practical experience and qualifications relevant to the needs of employers.
“The real value of this development will be measured by the opportunities it creates for students, the quality of graduates it produces and its contribution to the economic development of Kaduna State and Nigeria.
“We therefore encourage all relevant stakeholders to work together to ensure a smooth transition and build an institution capable of meeting the expectations of students, employers and the wider society,” Yakubu said.
He maintained that the upgrade presents an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between education and economic development, particularly in a country seeking to expand its technological capabilities and create sustainable employment opportunities for its growing youth population.
Yakubu expressed optimism that the institution, with appropriate institutional support and effective implementation, could become an important contributor to technical education, innovation and workforce development in Northern Nigeria and beyond.
He reiterated Arewa Think Tank’s position that sustained investment in education, skills development and youth empowerment remains essential to Nigeria’s long-term progress, adding that initiatives aimed at improving access to specialised learning deserve serious attention from policymakers and other stakeholders.
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