IMAP Rector Dr. Nurudeen Mu'azu Maifata Urges Youths to Acquire Employable Skills During YAN Visit

The Acting Rector of the Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia, Dr. Nurudeen Mu'azu Maifata, has urged the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN) to revive awareness among Nigerian youths regarding the importance of acquiring employable skills. This call to action was made during a meeting with the new leadership of YAN's Nasarawa State Chapter in his office today.

Dr. Maifata emphasized that enhancing employability directly leads to job creation, challenging the prevailing belief that there are no job opportunities in Nigeria. He stated, "People who lack the requisite skills to be employed in the right places end up constituting a nuisance in society." 

Highlighting the issue of inadequate local skilled manpower, he referenced the Dangote Refinery, which has had to recruit a significant number of employees from India and other African nations due to a lack of qualified local workers. Dr. Maifata expressed pride in collaborating with YAN, especially given its actionable masterplan aimed at addressing the employability deficiencies among youths.

The Rector affirmed that the Polytechnic is open to partnerships with YAN and other development organizations to equip youths with skills that enable them to become employers rather than mere job seekers. He noted that the institution's technical education programs have received national recognition and commendation from relevant regulatory bodies.

"We aim to position the Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic as one of the five most competitive polytechnics in Nigeria by the end of my tenure," he declared, commending YAN for its proactive role in tackling these challenges.

Comrade Habiba Umar Iliyasu, the Speaker of YAN's Nasarawa State Chapter, praised the Maifata-led administration for its commitment to improving the situation for Nasarawa youths. She highlighted YAN's strategic and implementable blueprint focused on promoting the acquisition of employable skills as essential for fostering employment opportunities.

As the first female State Speaker of YAN, Iliyasu assured the Polytechnic authorities of YAN's dedication to contributing to the institution's development.

Deputy Rector (Academic) Mr. Louis John Ogah also commended YAN for its resilience, expressing optimism that the goals set forth in the meeting are achievable.

The meeting was attended by several key officials, including the Bursar of the Polytechnic, Zainab Dalhatu Aliyu, and the Director of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, Mukhtar Wakeel.