In a bid to reposition polytechnic education for relevance in a rapidly changing economy, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Mrs. Eduma Enobong Essien, has declared that academic certificates without practical competence can no longer meet the demands of today’s labour market.
Mrs. Essien made the statement on Tuesday while addressing participants at a one-day sensitisation workshop on the Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and the Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ). The workshop was organised by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and held at the Polytechnic’s 250-Capacity Lecture Theatre.
According to her, “The realities of today’s Nigerian economy clearly show that academic certificates alone are no longer sufficient. The labour market now demands graduates who possess practical competence, innovation, adaptability and entrepreneurial skills.”
She described the workshop as timely and strategic, commending NBTE for its “Skills, Not Degrees” policy, which she said aligns with the institution’s philosophy of “Skills for Self-Reliance.” The Rector disclosed that the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, has been approved as a Federal Government Skills Training Centre, with 14 accredited skills currently operational. This she said was in addition to the tissue paper production and paint production lines currently running at the entrepreneurial centre in the polytechnic as well as the fashion design and garment making.
“These achievements demonstrate our resolve to translate policy into practice and theory into tangible output,” she said.
Earlier, the Director of NBTE South-South Zonal Office and guest speaker, Mr. Cyril C. Mbong, who spoke on the topic” Introducing MSQ in Polytechnics: The Role of NBTE in Producing Industry-Ready Graduates”, explained the structure and benefits of the NSQF and MSQ. He noted that the frameworks are designed to ensure that graduates leave school with certified, industry-relevant skills that enhance employability, entrepreneurship and national productivity.
He charged students to avail themselves of the opportunity offered by NBTE by learning a marketable skill even as they are studying for their academic degrees.
The Student Union President, Comrade Raphael Akpan, affirmed that theoretical knowledge alone is no longer sufficient in today’s job market. He thanked NBTE and the Polytechnic Management for introducing structured skills acquisition programmes.
Also speaking, the Director of the Skills Training Centre, Engr. Sunday Iji, commended the Rector for her visionary and dynamic leadership, describing the workshop as an NBTE-driven initiative aimed at deepening stakeholders’ commitment to skills-oriented education.
“This workshop is designed to deepen our understanding and commitment to promoting skills acquisition as a pathway to self-reliance and sustainable national development,” he said.
In a vote of thanks, the Dean of Student Affairs, Mr. Fred Itotaziba, thanked NBTE and the Polytechnic Management for the sensitisation programme and urged staff and students to fully utilise the opportunity to build relevant skills for the future.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (NOTSUP) and the Student Union, Federal Polytechnic, Ukana Chapter. All pledged their support for the initiative.
