1st Sahel Multidisciplinary Conference Opens at Federal Polytechnic Damaturu

The 1st Sahel Multidisciplinary Conference opened on Tuesday at the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State, with the theme “Societal Security and Poverty Reduction: Integrating TVET into Research, Policy and Practice.”

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Reuben Omatayo Akinsola, described the theme as timely and significant, particularly in view of the challenges of poverty, unemployment, insecurity and economic vulnerability confronting society.

He urged participants to actively engage in the deliberations and contribute ideas capable of translating research findings into policies and practical interventions that would promote societal security, create employment opportunities and reduce poverty.

Dr. Akinsola also appreciated the management of the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu for its commitment and support towards the successful organisation of the conference.

Declaring the conference open, the Chief Host and Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Dr. Ibrahim Bello Bashir, represented by the Deputy Rector, Academics, Engr. Dr. Shettima Umara Ali, described the conference as a milestone for the Sahel Journal and a significant evolution from the institution’s journal activities to a multidisciplinary conference.

He called for fruitful deliberations, collaborations and partnerships that would extend beyond the conference and produce practical solutions to the challenges of societal insecurity and poverty.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Mala Mohammed Daura on the topic, “From Skill to Security: Harnessing TVET for Inclusive Growth and Poverty Reduction.” The presentation examined the role of technical and vocational skills in promoting inclusive economic growth, creating opportunities for young people, strengthening livelihoods and reducing poverty and insecurity.

The lead paper was presented by Prof. Idriss Mohammed Bugaje, represented by Alhaji Shettima Buba Walama, and focused on poverty reduction and the role of the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, in advancing TVET.

The co-lead paper, presented by Dr. Lawan Cheri, was titled “Empirical Evidence on Human Capital Development, Economic Transformation, Resilience and Crime Deterrence in Nigeria.”

The presentations highlighted the importance of human capital development, skills acquisition, economic transformation and resilience in tackling poverty and creating sustainable pathways to societal security.

In a goodwill message, the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Alhaji Muhammad Annur, described the gathering as an assembly of erudite scholars. He urged participants to utilise their expertise and experience to proffer practical and sustainable solutions to the challenges of insecurity and poverty confronting society.

He added that the Yobe State Government remained steadfast in its support for education and was particularly proud of the achievements of the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu in advancing education, technical training and skills acquisition. The state government also expressed appreciation for its association with the Sahel Journal and the multidisciplinary conference, describing the initiative as an important platform for research, knowledge sharing, policy engagement and the development of practical solutions to societal challenges.

In his vote of thanks, the Registrar of the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Muazu Aliyu Iliyas, appreciated the keynote speaker, the representative of the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, the NBTE, and all participants for their contributions and active participation. He commended the organisers for successfully convening the first edition of the multidisciplinary conference and expressed hope that the initiative would be sustained, strengthened and expanded in subsequent editions.

Awards of recognition were presented to the Chief Host, the Keynote Speaker, the representative of the Executive Secretary of the NBTE, the representative of the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, the Co-Lead Paper Presenter, and the Deputy Rector, Academics, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, in recognition of their contributions to the success of the conference.

The conference brought together scholars, researchers, government officials, education administrators and other stakeholders to exchange ideas on the role of TVET, research and human capital development in addressing poverty, insecurity and other societal challenges.