By Aga Samuel Imoter
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector, describing quality education as a key driver of sustainable development, economic growth and human capital development.
The governor made the remarks on Saturday at the maiden convocation ceremony of Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo, where he also commissioned a new administrative office complex.
Kefas described the institution’s first convocation as a historic milestone and congratulated the graduating students, their families, lecturers and the management for their contributions to the achievement.
He said education should go beyond the award of certificates by equipping students with critical thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership skills needed to address societal challenges.
According to the governor, his administration declared a state of emergency in the education sector on assumption of office to restore confidence in public education, improve access and strengthen institutions across the state.
He added that government support had enabled the successful accreditation of several academic programmes at the polytechnic and pledged continued investment in infrastructure, manpower development, curriculum improvement and institutional reforms.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, attributed the institution’s progress to the government’s education reforms, while the Rector, Dr. Amos Danlami Agbu, thanked the governor for his sustained support.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Emefo Kene commended the state government’s reduction of tuition fees in public tertiary institutions, describing it as a policy that has expanded access to higher education. The ceremony attracted government officials, academics, traditional rulers, alumni and other education stakeholders.
