Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, has opened a second campus housing at least four schools to boost its carrying capacity.
The schools of business studies, general studies, gender studies and its entrepreneurial village are housed on the new campus, named after its rector, Dr Philipa Idogho.
Education minister Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, who formally opened the campus said it was in line with attempts to promote technical and vocational education and training (TVET) across the country, emphasising its necessity for “our citizens develop the skills and competencies to enable them function effectively in society and help drive diverse sector of the economy.’’
She said TVET “must be comprehensively given attention in Nigeria because it will help us to address a number of social, economic and political challenges that we face. With an effective TVET sector, we are assured of skilled manpower that matches the requirements of industries; we are assured of jobs for our young people.’’
She said the ministry was developing a national framework for vocational qualifications and occupational standards to tackle challenges of TVET growth in which polytechnics are pivotal.
She noted ongoing N15 billion upgrade of laboratories in all 51 state and federal polytechnics through special intervention.
Idogho, said that on assumption in office in 2008, the extent of new campus was limited to just 10 bungalows, 10 blocks of flats with boy’s quarters abandoned, dilapidated and completely over grown with bushes since 1978, which have been renovated using internally generated revenue.