By Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo
“We will engineer the Nigerian polytechnics system with the think tank leadership,” Professor Idris M. Bugaje, National Board for Technical Education, NBTE Executive Secretary
The words of the Minister of Education, Dr. Alausa Tunji, on repositioning the Nigerian education landscape are crystal clear, highlighting changes and appointments of qualified academics who deserve the polytechnics leadership positions in the Nigerian educational system.
We in the polytechnics’ corridors are witnessing good reforms and new ideas surfacing in the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and our Nigerian polytechnics, addressing the needs of the nation and its people. This is the right concept to reduce the “japa” syndrome hacking the Nigerian prospective development agenda.
Without mincing words, the recent appointment of Dr. Ibrahim Bello Bashir is a testament to this administration’s significant efforts in repositioning the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State, for skills, employment, and development.
Dr. Ibrahim is a renowned academic, seasoned researcher, experienced administrator, prudent leader, and hardworking servant of the people. He aims to renew the hopes of Nigerian youths through knowledge and education. Now, he has the ball in his court to roll out the burning vision he holds for the good of the country.
Hail from Michika Local Government in Adamawa State, Dr. Ibrahim obtained his PhD from the reputable Nigerian Defence Academy. He holds an M.Sc from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and a B.Sc from the same institution.
As Dr. Ibrahim climbs the ladder of civil service as a lecturer of Kaduna Polytechnic he was a Member Kaduna Polytechnic Governing Council, representing the Academic Board from 2017 to 2020, Member of the Council Committee on Appeals, Kaduna Polytechnic, Director, Academic Planning from January 2021 to May 2022, Director, College of Environmental Studies from August 2018 to January 2021, Head, Department of Environmental Science from 2015-2018, Examination officer, Department of Environmental Science 2010-2015, Assistant Examination Officer, Department of Environmental Science from 2007-2010, Member of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) committees on National Housing Fund, Financial committee, and Information & publicity.
In appreciation of his commendable service to education and Kaduna Polytechnic, Dr. Ibrahim, now Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, received a letter of commendation from the Academic Board of Kaduna Polytechnic in 2014. He also received another letter of commendation for his participation in the development of the Kaduna State Policy on Environment in August 2018.
Dr. Ibrahim has attended numerous conferences and workshops. He has authored several books and co-published many others, collaborating with staff from Kaduna Polytechnic and colleagues from outside the country.
In his progressive educational career, Dr. Ibrahim held many roles and duties in the landscape of education, he was a Project Consultant to ZAMAS CONSULTS, Abuja from 2008-2012, Part-time Lecturer with the School of Science and Science Education, National Open University of Nigeria 2006-2010, Support Consultant to Global Livestock & Agro Services Ltd. Kaduna 1997-June 1999, Research Supervisor: Nigeria Agricultural Cooperative & Rural Development Bank 1994-1995.
Dr. Ibrahim was the former Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE and also Member, Governing Board, National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), Member, Awards Committee of NABTEB Governing Board, Member, Finance and General Purpose Committee of NABTEB Governing Board, Member, Committee on review of HND Entry Requirement (NBTE) 2023, Member Governing Council, Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu and Member Governing Council, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi.
The newly appointed Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State, is a sound academic par excellence. He is sure to mold and steer the institution towards the best requisite requirements of the National Board for Technical Education’s (NBTE) vision. This vision aims to reposition and enhance Nigerian polytechnics for the brighter future of our energetic youths and revitalize the country’s economic system.
We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his pursuit of renewing hope in Nigerian polytechnics through positive changes in technical and vocational institutions. We also applaud Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Executive Secretary for their efforts in fulfilling the mandate and vision of Nigerian polytechnics for the benefit of the people and the nation. while we keep expecting more good changes we pray for God to continue to bless our dear country in many folds.
Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo is an academic staff of Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna sent the article from auwalgoronyo@gmail.com