Governor Uba Sani has described Kaduna Polytechnic as a vital centre for technical education, innovation, entrepreneurship and professional excellence that has produced graduates contributing significantly to industries, institutions and public service.
The governor stated this during the institution’s 70th anniversary and combined convocation ceremony held at the Tudun Wada Main Campus in Kaduna on Saturday.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sani, an alumnus of the institution, emphasised the importance of technical and vocational education in driving sustainable development, industrialisation and economic growth.
“No society can attain sustainable development without investing deliberately in knowledge, skills and innovation,” he said.
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According to him, polytechnics should occupy a central place in Nigeria’s development agenda because they serve as engines of productivity, enterprise and human capital development.
The governor disclosed that the Kaduna State Government is currently sponsoring 775 students in various programmes at Kaduna Polytechnic as part of efforts to remove financial barriers and expand access to quality technical education.
“This intervention reflects our determination to ensure that talented young people, regardless of background, can acquire the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to society,” he added.
Governor Sani further revealed that his administration has established three Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development located in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf and Soba.
According to him, the institutes are equipped with modern facilities and certified by the National Board for Technical Education as among the best-equipped skills development centres in the country.
He said the institutes offer specialised training in welding, solar technology, information technology and artificial intelligence to prepare young people for the evolving global economy.
The governor also highlighted ongoing reforms at the famous Panteka Market, which he described as Africa’s largest informal skills hub.
According to him, the market has been modernised with improved infrastructure, training facilities and modern tools aimed at supporting over 38,000 apprentices and integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques.
Governor Sani disclosed that the restructured Panteka Market has surpassed Kenya’s Jua Kali initiative, which had long been regarded as Africa’s largest informal vocational training centre.
He also directed immediate steps toward the construction of a new lecture theatre complex within Kaduna Polytechnic and promised rehabilitation of roads within the institution’s campuses to improve the learning environment.
The governor called on the private sector, alumni associations, development partners and philanthropic organisations to support Kaduna Polytechnic through infrastructure partnerships, research funding and mentorship programmes.
“The future of our nation depends substantially on the quality of institutions we build today,” he reiterated.