President Bola Tinubu has emphasized that practical skills and vocational training will play a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s future, stressing that certificates alone are no longer enough to guarantee success in today’s rapidly evolving economy.
The president made this known during the combined convocation ceremony and 70th anniversary celebration of Kaduna Polytechnic, held in Kaduna on Saturday.
Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, Tinubu highlighted the importance of investing more heavily in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), describing skills acquisition as a key driver of economic recovery, innovation, and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
According to the president, the era where academic certificates alone could secure long-term success is fading, as the global economy increasingly rewards innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical expertise.
He encouraged graduating students to embrace entrepreneurial thinking, develop marketable skills, and position themselves for opportunities in a competitive and technology-driven world.
Tinubu also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s educational institutions and expanding opportunities for young people through targeted initiatives.
He cited programs such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Students’ Venture Initiative as part of the government’s broader efforts to promote self-reliance, innovation, and enterprise under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The president further urged Kaduna Polytechnic’s leadership to leverage digital technology to improve learning systems and enhance the institution’s competitiveness on the global stage.
The event also marked a major academic milestone for Kaduna Polytechnic, with a total of 60,803 students graduating across academic sessions spanning from 2015/2016 to 2024/2025.
According to the institution’s Rector, Dr. Suleiman Umar, the polytechnic remains focused on producing graduates equipped not only to seek employment but also to create jobs and solve real-world challenges.
He disclosed that among the graduating students, 1,725 earned distinctions, 13,920 graduated with upper credits, 35,127 with lower credits, while 9,856 received pass grades. An additional 175 students were awarded certificates.
In his remarks, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening education and skills development in the state.
The governor announced plans to construct a modern theatre and improve access roads across Kaduna Polytechnic’s campuses to enhance the institution’s infrastructure.
He also donated ₦50 million in support of the convocation activities and commissioned a new lecture theatre complex during the ceremony.
Sani called on alumni associations, private organizations, and public-spirited Nigerians to contribute more actively to educational development across the country.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Oluwakemi Pinheiro, encouraged graduates to focus on creating value and building entrepreneurial capacity rather than depending solely on traditional employment opportunities.
He also announced scholarships for 152 students, funded from his personal allowances, while commending the institution’s management and staff for maintaining quality education standards.
The Registrar, Muhammad Tanimu, also announced fellowship awards for several prominent Nigerians, including Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, Hadiza Bala Usman, Governor Uba Sani, and the Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamalli.
Responding on behalf of the award recipients, the Emir expressed appreciation for the recognition and urged graduates to uphold discipline, excellence, and the values associated with Kaduna Polytechnic.
Tinubu’s message reinforces the growing national conversation around the importance of skills development, innovation, and entrepreneurship as Nigeria seeks sustainable solutions to unemployment and economic growth challenges.
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