Kaduna Polytechnic stands as a cornerstone for technical training and innovation in Nigeria. Governor Uba Sani made this assertion at the institution's 70th anniversary celebration on Saturday.
Sani, himself a Kadpoly alumnus, received the prestigious Fellowship Award from the polytechnic. He called it far more than a personal honour.
"It affirms our government's commitment to education, youth development, and institutional growth," he told the gathering at the Tudun Wada campus.
Sustainable development cannot happen without investment in skills and knowledge. According to the governor, this principle guides his administration's policies.
Technical and vocational training have become crucial in today's economy. Sani noted these sectors drive industrialisation, agricultural progress, and digital transformation.
"Polytechnics must sit at the centre of our development plans," he emphasised. They aren't secondary institutions but engines of productivity.
His administration currently sponsors 775 students across various programmes at Kaduna Polytechnic. This reflects efforts to remove financial obstacles for talented youth.
Kaduna State has also opened three vocational training institutes in recent times. Locations include Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf, and Soba.
These facilities rival most universities in equipment quality and capacity. The National Board for Technical Education certified them as top-tier hubs.
The institutes offer specialised courses in welding, solar energy, and artificial intelligence. They're deliberately designed for global economic demands.
"We're making Kaduna a national centre of technical excellence," Sani stated. Skills shortages have long hampered local industry and growth.
Panteka Market, Africa's largest informal skills centre, underwent major transformation under this government. The historic marketplace now features modern tools and infrastructure.
Training facilities align with the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework standards. Over 38,000 apprentices stand to benefit from the upgrades.
The modernised Panteka preserves traditional craftsmanship while embracing contemporary methods. Apprentices now receive nationally recognised certifications upon completion.
"The renewed Panteka has surpassed Kenya's legendary Jua Kali marketplace," he disclosed. Its impact on skills development across West Africa continues growing.
Sani's remarks underscored his administration's vision for youth empowerment through education. Technical training remains pivotal to Nigeria's economic future.
Graduates from Kaduna Polytechnic have shaped industries and public institutions nationwide. Saturday's celebration recognised seven decades of this institutional impact.
