More retrenchment looms, NBTE boss warns

The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Dr. Masa’udu Kazaure, has warned that despite signs of economic recovery, the country had yet to feel the full effects of the recession on employment.

Kazaure, speaking during the 23rd combined convocation of Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Saturday, stated that though the stimulus measures by the government seem to have cushioned the immediate effects of recession, the time lag could mean more job losses were on the horizon.

In his lecture, the NBTE secretary urged polytechnics in the country to strengthen their capacities to forecast skills and match them to the available jobs.

The Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, said polytechnic education was important, adding that it emphasised practice-based learning and the acquisition of useful life skills.Ahmed added that through polytechnic education, youths acquired technical and vocational skills needed to provide manpower to industries and firms in the private and public sectors, reducing the country’s dependence on foreign expertise for industrial development.

According to him, polytechnics equip youths with the necessary entrepreneurial skills needed for them to be self-reliant and create wealth for themselves.

Ahmed added, “While there is still much work to be done in terms of providing cutting-edge, market-relevant education and skills, I must state that the students of Kwara State Polytechnic are putting the knowledge acquired here to good use.”