….As Kefas pledges overhaul of education sector
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has reaffirmed his administration’s total commitment to transforming the education sector, describing polytechnic education as a key driver of economic growth and self-reliance.
The governor made the assertion on Saturday at the first convocation ceremony of the Taraba State Polytechnic, Suntai, 31 years after the institution was established.
“Polytechnic education is a multi-purpose industry with the capacity to transform students and add value to society,” Governor Kefas said. “Beyond certificates, polytechnics provide practical training and tangible skills that make graduates self-employed and productive.”
He noted that experience has shown that graduates of polytechnics contribute significantly to the social and economic development of any society.
To this end, Kefas said his administration would give “special attention” to polytechnic education as part of efforts to build a prosperous Taraba. He promised to upgrade infrastructure and raise academic standards at the Suntai polytechnic to align with his education policies and programs.
The governor commended the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, for appointing Dr. Amos Agbu as Rector of the college. He also praised the Governing Council, management, staff, students, parents and guardians for their resilience and support.
“I charge our graduating students to be worthy ambassadors of the polytechnic family as you step into a larger society with new challenges ahead,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Rector, Dr. Amos Agbu, expressed appreciation to Governor Kefas for what he described as “unparalleled” education policies and programs for Tarabans.
Dr. Agbu listed some of the challenges facing the institution to include accreditation of courses and inadequate facilities. He appealed to the state government for support to enable the polytechnic to run additional courses hitch-free.
He also commended the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, the Governing Council, staff and the Students’ Union Government for their contributions to the growth of the institution, and urged graduands to use the knowledge acquired to serve society.
The convocation marked the first graduation ceremony at the Suntai campus since the polytechnic was established over three decades ago.
