Professor Ahmed Tijjani Abdullahi, former Deputy Governor of Kano State during the Second Republic, has been named the inaugural Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Council for the newly created Nigeria Polytechnic Foundation (NIPOF).
The appointment of Professor Abdullahi, a former Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic and ex-Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), marks a significant step toward revitalizing polytechnic education in Nigeria.
During the council’s inauguration ceremony at the NBTE headquarters, he stressed the need to re-equip Nigerian polytechnics to better fulfill their mandate.
Professor Abdullahi expressed concerns about the inadequate facilities and equipment found in many polytechnics across the nation.
He emphasized that the Foundation’s efforts would address these challenges inclusively, ensuring no institution, whether federal, state, or private, is left behind.
He highlighted the vital role technical education plays in Nigeria’s technological progress and underscored the Foundation’s commitment to uplifting polytechnic education across the country.
At the same event, NBTE Executive Secretary, Professor Idris Bugaje, noted that the establishment of NIPOF is a strategic initiative aimed at tackling the pressing challenges facing Nigerian polytechnics.
Professor Abdullahi stressed the importance of aligning polytechnic education with the demands of the 21st century by fostering academic innovation and strengthening institutional capacity.
Professor Bugaje also expressed optimism about the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
He said the Foundation would catalyze lasting change, enabling graduates to acquire both the technical skills needed for Nigeria’s industrialization and the global competencies required to thrive in the international labor market.
NIPOF, as highlighted by Bugaje, is positioned as a key vehicle for driving Nigeria’s economic development and industrial growth.
He thanked the steering committee for their diligent work in bringing the initiative to fruition and welcomed new council members, including Dr. Zakari Abdullahi as Secretary, Dr. Nuru Yakubu as Vice Chairman for the Northern Region, and Dr. Aluko Olusegun Olarewaju as Vice Chairman for the Southern Region.
These appointments reflect the Foundation’s focus on collaboration and innovation, aiming to reshape the future of technical education in Nigeria.
