By Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

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The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has assured that polytechnics in the country will not be allowed to deviate from their mandates as platforms for skills development, research, and innovation for Nigerian experts.

The Federal Government’s regulatory agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring that polytechnics produce quality graduates with relevant skills, research orientation, and innovative thinking, which can reset the nation on the path of growth and development.

The NBTE’s Executive Secretary, Prof Idris Bugaje, made this statement in Ikere-Ekiti at the weekend during a facility tour of a private tertiary institution, for the accreditation process before the commencement of operations in 2025.

The NBTE delegation, led by the Director of New Institutions, Hajiya Bilikisu Daku, visited the permanent site of the new polytechnic to inspect facilities ahead of the accreditation of some courses before the start of academic activities.

During the inspection, Bugaje, represented by an official of the agency, Engr Rasak Shoremekun, stated that ensuring quality assurance in Nigerian polytechnic education would boost its global standing.

Bugaje advised the institution to prioritise research and skill acquisition, emphasising that no country would develop or achieve innovation without adequate investment in research, skills, and exploration.

“The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Education will continue to ensure that all our polytechnics implement measures to achieve the goal of producing skilled, innovative, and research-driven graduates.

“It is our vision to ensure that every polytechnic meets the set standards before receiving proper accreditation, and we shall pursue this with vigour and determination,” Bugaje said.

In his remarks, the founder of the polytechnic, Hon Femi Bamisile, said he established the institution to fulfil his passion and commitment to the development of education in the country.

Bamisile, who represents Gbonyin/Emure/Ekiti East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, solicited support from the agency and other well-meaning Nigerians to develop the institution.