By Idris Auwal
The Executive Secretary of the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje has inaugurated the council members of the Nigeria Polytechnics Foundation (NIPOF) under the chairmanship of former Executive Secretary of the board Professor Ahmed Tijjani Abdullahi.

Inaugurating the council members of the foundation at the NBTE conference room in Kaduna on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Professor Idris Bugaje said, “it is a great privilege and honour to address you today on this momentous occasion, the inauguration of the Council Members of the Nigeria Polytechnics Foundation (NIPOF).
“This Foundation marks a significant milestone in our collective mission to rejuvenate Polytechnic education in Nigeria, raising its standards and aligning it with global best practices.
“The establishment of NIPOF represents a strategic move towards addressing the critical challenges facing our Polytechnic Institutions.
“As we know, the world is rapidly evolving, and education must adapt to meet the needs of the 21st century. In this light, the Council’s role is pivotal. Its function is to initiate and revitalise Polytechnic education by fostering academic Innovation, strengthening Institutional capacity, promoting Industry collaboration, and facilitating International partnerships and collaboration.
“Through these efforts, we aim to transform Polytechnic education nationwide, ensuring that our graduates are not only equipped with the Technical skills required for Nigeria’s Industrialization but also possess the global competencies needed to thrive in the International labor market.
“Our Polytechnic system must be the engine that drives Nigeria’s economic development and Industrial growth, and NIPOF is one of the key vehicles to get us there.
“We are strengthening the NIPOF Council with additional members who bring a wealth of experience and expertise. Dr. Zakari Abdullahi, Head, Linkages and International Collaboration at the NBTE, is to serve as Secretary to ensure continuous and effective communication between NIPOF and the NBTE, helping us maintain alignment in our objectives.”
Additionally, we are proud to announce that Dr. Nuru Yakubu, former Executive Secretary of NBTE will serve as Vice Chairman for the Northern Region, while Dr. Aluko Olusegun Olarewaju will take on the role of Vice Chairman for the Southern Region.
“Furthermore, we are honoured to welcome Dr. Okpok Mfon and Mr. Monday Makhuoga from the United States as our Diaspora members.”
He noted that their International perspectives will undoubtedly add immense value to our efforts in building stronger global partnerships for Nigerian Polytechnics.
To ensure the success of NIPOF, we are calling on all Polytechnics to support the Foundation, especially for take-off. The benefits of NIPOF’s initiatives will be realized across all Polytechnics, enhancing both the academic and operational capacities of our Institutions.
In his remarks, the chairman of council of NIPOF, Professor Ahmed Tijjani Abdullahi who is also a second republic deputy governor of Kano said Polytechnics are in need of support because they lack equipment and other facilities, saying the foundation will not be selective in its operations.
“Being the only foundation of its kind we are going to provide for all Polytechnics, be it state, federal and even private to uplift polytechnic education in the country.”