Lalong, Sule Harp On Technical Education To Advance Entrepreneurship

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has called for the need to pay more attention to technical education, noting that it is the bedrock of entrepreneurship, job creation and productivity. 

Lalong made this known at the  31st-38th Combined Convocation ceremony of the Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi in Jos on Friday.

Lalong who is the Visitor to the Plateau State Polytechnic said the Convocation was long overdue as it has not been held over a long period of time due to various challenges. 

This situation he said informed the government's directive for the convocation to hold which offers the institution the opportunity to immediately clear all backlog of graduation and certificate awards.

The Governor therefore directed that henceforth, all government tertiary institutions must work hard to hold convocation ceremonies at the end of each academic year as it was a sure way of building confidence, maintaining standards, and motivating the graduands to pursue their careers.

"Our government has in the past seven years demonstrated its belief in skill-based education that stimulates entrepreneurship and human capital development. 

"It is our conviction that there is no better legacy to bequeath to upcoming generations than giving them education that goes beyond paper qualification. 

"In the light of this, the Rescue Administration has engaged in reinvigorating moribund Technical and Vocational Education by rehabilitating old Technical Schools and building new ones.

Lalong, through the  Legacy Projects, is  constructing the Technical Schools in Pankshin, Shendam and upgrading the old Technical School (Butex) in Bukuru.

He added that the school will be equipped with modern tools and machineries once  completed. 

"Through these institutions, we hope to generate the skillful manpower that is needed to create jobs and contribute to the development of our economy."

He charged the graduands to focus on using their education for productivity rather than the fruitless search for white collar jobs, which he maintained is scarce.

"I challenge you to step out of this institution with the mindset of entrepreneurs and job creators rather than job seekers and applicants.

"You are all aware that white collar jobs are very scarce and the government is finding it difficult to meet its obligations to existing employees. 

"This has made white collar employment extremely difficult and even less fashionable.

"What is the focus today is entrepreneurship, innovation and skill development.

"As graduands of this polytechnic which prides itself as the hub for technical education, you should be at the forefront of starting your businesses.

"The government will support you through the Plateau Small and Medium Enterprises Agency (PLASMIDA) and other relevant programmes such as those by the ITF and the Federal Government," he said.

On his part, Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who studied Mechanical Engineering at the Plateau State Polytechnic said heheas proud to have passed through the polytechnic as one of its first students as the institution developed his love  for technical education.

He recalled with nostalgia his days at the polytechnic and Plateau State when peace, harmony and trust thrived among all citizens and residents regardless of their backgrounds. 

Governor Sule commended Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong for working hard to restore peace and security in the state, thereby restoring its fortunes as the Home of Peace and Tourism. 

He appealed to those causing trouble in Plateau State and other parts of the country to desist because such actions have denied the younger generation the beauty, serenity and attraction that Plateau State and its good people offer to the world.