NBTE Launches Nigerian Polytechnics Foundation to Revolutionize Technical Education

On Thursday, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) inaugurated the Nigerian Polytechnics Foundation Council (NIPOF) and dissolved the existing steering committee.

In his inaugural speech, NBTE Executive Secretary Idris Bugaje stated that NIPOF was established to address the pressing challenges facing polytechnics in Nigeria. He emphasized that the mission of NIPOF is to advance these institutions to meet global standards of excellence in education, innovation, and research. Bugaje highlighted the need for education to adapt to the rapidly evolving world, making NIPOF’s role crucial.

Bugaje explained that NIPOF aims to initiate and revitalize polytechnic education by fostering academic innovation, strengthening institutional capacity, promoting industry collaboration, and facilitating international partnerships. Through the efforts of NIPOF’s council, NBTE seeks to transform polytechnic education nationwide, ensuring graduates are equipped with the technical skills required for Nigeria’s industrialization and possess the global competencies needed to thrive in the international labor market.

Bugaje credited the idea of setting up the foundation to Monday Makhuoga, a long-time training consultant to NBTE who had attempted to arrange equipment donations from the USA.

To ensure the success of NIPOF, Bugaje called on all polytechnics to support the foundation, especially during its initial phase.

NIPOF Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi noted the lack of adequate equipment in Nigerian polytechnics. He assured that his leadership would ensure both private and public polytechnics benefit from equipment and that the membership of NIPOF would be expanded in the diaspora.