BY : CHARLES CHIJIOKE
Governor Uba Sani has reaffirmed the strategic importance of Kaduna Polytechnic, describing the institution as a key driver of technical education, innovation, entrepreneurship and professional development in Nigeria.
Sani made the remarks during the institution’s 70th anniversary and combined convocation ceremony held at its Tudun Wada main campus, where he emphasized the growing role of technical and vocational education in shaping economic growth and national competitiveness.
The Kaduna governor, himself an alumnus of the institution, also received a fellowship award from Kaduna Polytechnic during the event. Reacting to the honour, he said the recognition extended beyond his person and represented broader support for educational advancement and youth-focused reforms.
“This honour is not merely as a personal recognition, but as an affirmation of the collective commitment of the Kaduna state government to educational advancement, youth empowerment, and institutional renewal,” he said.
The governor praised the institution’s legacy, noting that over the decades, Kaduna Polytechnic has produced graduates who have made substantial contributions across industries, institutions and public service sectors.
Sani argued that countries seeking sustainable development cannot ignore deliberate investment in skills and knowledge systems, especially in an era increasingly shaped by technology and innovation.
“In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, technical and vocational education has become indispensable to industrialisation, agricultural transformation, digital innovation, and national competitiveness,” he stated.
“Polytechnics must therefore occupy a central place in our development strategy. They are not peripheral institutions; they are engines of productivity, enterprise, and human capital formation.”
The governor disclosed that his administration is currently sponsoring 775 students enrolled in various programmes at Kaduna Polytechnic, describing the intervention as part of efforts to remove financial obstacles preventing young Nigerians from accessing technical education.
“This intervention reflects our determination to remove financial barriers and ensure that talented young people, regardless of background, can acquire the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Sani further revealed that the state government has established three vocational training and skills development institutes in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf and Soba. According to him, the centres are designed to train youths in sectors including welding, solar technology, information technology and artificial intelligence.
He claimed the facilities rank among the most advanced technical training centres in Nigeria.
“These institutes, which are more equipped than most Universities of Science and Technology in the country, are certified by the National Board for Technical Education as among the best-equipped skills development hubs in Nigeria,” he said.
The governor added that the initiatives are aimed at closing persistent skills gaps affecting local industries and strengthening Kaduna’s position as a technical and industrial centre.
The comments come at a time when debates over unemployment, youth empowerment and education quality continue across Nigeria. Analysts say increasing investments in technical and vocational education may help address workforce shortages and equip young Nigerians with practical skills demanded by evolving industries.
The development could also intensify conversations around whether state governments should place greater emphasis on technical institutions and vocational training as alternatives to conventional university education.
