Taraba State governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has pledged to build a befitting convocation hall and a stronger technical training ground for staff and students of the state-owned polytechnic, as part of his administration’s plan to upgrade the institution.
Governor Kefas, who made the pledge on Saturday, at the maiden combined convocation of the institution in Jalingo, promised to strengthen infrastructure, academic programmes, technical training and student welfare.
He declared that his administration would reposition the polytechnic as a leading centre for technical education, innovation, entrepreneurship and skilled manpower development.
The governor, who said he cut short an official engagement in Jos to attend the ceremony, described the convocation as a historic milestone for his administration.
“I am not happy that we are having this convocation outside, but I want to assure you that your next convocation will be held in a hall,” Kefas said.
He said, the proposed intervention was part of his broader commitment to rebuilding public institutions and equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and character required to drive the development of Taraba State.
According to him, education must go beyond the acquisition of certificates and prepare graduates to think critically, create solutions, solve problems and contribute meaningfully to society.
“We can build roads, hospitals, offices and institutions, but unless we build the minds, character and capacity of our people, those structures will not produce the development we desire,” the governor said.
Governor Kefas said, the government would continue, within available resources, to support the polytechnic in infrastructure development, electricity supply, staffing, security, equipment, student welfare and the overall improvement of the learning environment.
He, however, warned that government’s interventions must produce measurable results and matched with accountability, prudent management of public resources and strict adherence to academic standards.
“Every intervention must improve teaching and learning, while every official entrusted with responsibility must understand that public office is a trust,” he said.
The governor, said the accreditation and re-accreditation of several academic programmes at the institution must translate into improved teaching, modern facilities, stronger practical training and globally competitive graduates.
“Accreditation must not become an end in itself. It must translate into better teaching, improved facilities, stronger practical training, greater public confidence and graduates who can compete anywhere in the world,” he said.
Governor Kefas challenged management of the polytechnic to strengthen its practical and technical orientation, that must produce builders, technicians, innovators, entrepreneurs, inventors and problem-solvers, rather than graduates equipped only with theoretical knowledge.
He directed the institution to align its academic programmes and research activities with Taraba’s economic potential, particularly in agriculture, mining, construction, renewable energy, water management, information technology, environmental protection and manufacturing.
“Taraba is blessed with vast agricultural land, water resources, mineral deposits, tourism potential, livestock and a youthful population. But natural resources alone do not create prosperity. It is knowledge, technology, skills, discipline and responsible leadership that convert resources into development,” he said.
Governor Kefas called for partnerships with industries, professional bodies and relevant government agencies to provide students with practical exposure and prepare them for emerging opportunities.
According to the governor, certificates alone would not guarantee success, and urged the graduates to develop competence, integrity, discipline and the capacity to create value.
“Your certificate may open the door, but your character will determine how long that door remains open. The world will ask what you can do, what value you can create and whether you are disciplined, competent, trustworthy and dependable.
“So depending solely on government employment is not realistic, because the public sector could not absorb the growing number of job seekers,” he said.
