NBTE rolls out mandatory skills framework at Ukana Polytechnic

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Mrs Eduma Enobong Essien, has said that academic certificates without practical competence can no longer meet the demands of the labour market, underscoring the need for the mandatory skills framework being introduced at the institution.

Mrs Essien spoke on Tuesday as the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) advanced its skills-based education framework at the polytechnic.

She made the remarks at a one-day sensitisation workshop on the Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and the Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ), organised by NBTE and held at the institution’s 250-capacity lecture theatre.

According to her, prevailing economic conditions require graduates with practical competence, adaptability, innovation and entrepreneurial skills, noting that reliance on certificates alone is no longer sufficient.

The Rector described the workshop as strategic, saying it aligns with NBTE’s “Skills, Not Degrees” policy and the polytechnic’s focus on skills for self-reliance. She disclosed that the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, has been approved as a Federal Government Skills Training Centre, with 14 accredited skills currently in operation.

She added that the institution operates tissue paper and paint production lines at its entrepreneurship centre, alongside fashion design and garment-making programmes, as part of efforts to translate policy into practice.

In his presentation, the Director of the NBTE South-South Zonal Office, Mr Cyril C. Mbong, explained that the NSQF and MSQ are designed to ensure graduates leave school with certified, industry-relevant skills that enhance employability and entrepreneurship.

Speaking on the theme, Introducing MSQ in Polytechnics: The Role of NBTE in Producing Industry-Ready Graduates, Mbong urged students to acquire at least one marketable skill in addition to their academic programmes.

The Student Union President, Comrade Raphael Akpan, said theoretical knowledge alone no longer guarantees employment, and commended NBTE and the polytechnic management for introducing structured skills acquisition programmes.

Also speaking, the Director of the Skills Training Centre, Engr. Sunday Iji, said the workshop was aimed at strengthening stakeholders’ commitment to skills-oriented education.

In his remarks, the Dean of Student Affairs, Mr Fred Itotaziba, urged staff and students to take full advantage of the programme to build relevant skills.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics and the Student Union, all of whom pledged support for the initiative.