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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The management of Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari, Zuru Local Government Area, has increased its security measures and accommodation facilities as the institution targets a student population of 2,000.
The Rector of the institution, Dr Abubakar Boyi-Dalatu, stated this while briefing newsmen in Dakingari ahead of the admission of new students and the revelation of facilities and programmes for freshers.
He disclosed that the institution had made sufficient arrangements for the accommodation of over 2,000 students at the permanent site of the institution, with robust security from security agencies and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
Dalatu said: “We have rehabilitated our hostels at the permanent site, which have the capacity to handle a large number of students, up to 2,000. On security, though we have not received any threats since the inception of this institution, we have taken a lot of measures. We have armed security agencies with us as well as well-trained vigilantes. So, we are fully prepared for the increase in the student population.”
While recalling his achievements, Dalatu said: “This institution was established about 14 years ago with a mission to provide quality technical education to the people of Kebbi State and beyond.
“I was substantively appointed to head this institution on May 31, 2024, at a time when the institution was facing impending extinction due to non-accreditation of any academic programmes.
“Therefore, I focused my attention on the accreditation of the programmes, which we achieved in four months’ time. Not only did we secure accreditation of our programmes, we also ensured compliance with regulatory agencies and improved our infrastructure.
“In response to agitations from our stakeholders and well-wishers and in line with this government’s policy of bringing development to the doorsteps of our people, the management has secured permission from the Governing Council to open study centres at strategic locations across the state.
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“This will commence in earnest and will be made public soon,” Boyi-Dalatu said.
According to him, the institution currently has 600 students, while admission processes are ongoing, and he expressed optimism that by the end of the admission processes, enrolment would rise to 2,000.
He also revealed that the institution had secured N500 million from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to support the institution’s Innovative Technology Centre.
“Our Skills Development Centre, approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), provides hands-on training in various trades, enabling our students to develop practical skills that are in high demand in society.
“Our Skills Development Centre has approval to run 18 NBTE-accredited trades. These initiatives are designed to ensure that our graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to succeed in their chosen careers and make meaningful contributions to our society.
“Our vision is not only to deliver our mandate as an institution of higher learning but also to contribute to Gov. Nasir Idris’ development agenda,” he said.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar-Tunga, said that the state government had held a stakeholders’ meeting with local government chairmen and traditional rulers to ensure that student enrolment increased.
Tunga said that as the institution expects more enrolment, the state government has sought additional security from the police, army, DSS, and vigilantes to provide maximum security for both indigenous and non-indigenous students expected to be admitted to the institution.
