By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has called on Rectors of Federal Polytechnics to adopt innovative approaches by introducing programs that harness the unique potentials of their respective catchment areas.
This charge was given during an oversight session with Rectors and management staff of Federal Polytechnic Kauran-Namoda (Zamfara State), Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo (Gombe State), and Federal Polytechnic Bali (Taraba State), by the House Committee on Polytechnics and other Higher Technical Education on Monday in Abuja.
Chairman of the Committee, Fuad Kayode Laguda, highlighted the importance of tailoring academic programs to address local challenges and opportunities.
His comments were particularly directed at the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Kauran-Namoda, Jonathan Murdi, emphasizing the need to introduce courses related to geology and mining.
Laguda stated, “Why don’t you have courses in mining in your place? If you do, some of these gold and other minerals found in the soil could be tested in your school. This would also generate internally generated revenue (IGR) for you. Things should not be right under your nose, and you ignore them. Innovation involves adapting to current realities, and I urge you to explore this opportunity.”
He further underscored the potential of such programs to combat the insecurity in Zamfara State by engaging youths in productive activities, thereby reducing the risk of them joining banditry or related activities. According to him, the introduction of industry-relevant programs would also attract more students and improve the institution’s reputation.
“We’ll be glad to hear that your student population is increasing rather than declining. If you produce top-notch graduates who excel in the workforce, the ripple effect will attract more students. Employers will speak highly of graduates from your institution, and parents will be encouraged to send their children to your polytechnic”, he added.
Following Murdi’s presentation, the Committee directed him to provide evidence of insurance payments and explanations for the increase in personnel costs in 2024 despite a shortfall of 50 personnel.
Federal Polytechnic Bauchi’s Progress and Challenges
The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Dr. Sani Usman, also presented a detailed report on the institution’s performance. Established in 1976, the polytechnic has 2,112 staff, six schools, and 36 academic programs catering to over 11,000 students. Usman provided a breakdown of the institution’s budget performance from 2021 but was instructed to submit more comprehensive documentation within seven working days.
Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo’s Milestones
Dr. Sulaiman Lame, Rector of Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo in Gombe State, shared the institution’s developmental strides since its establishment in 2019. He noted that recruitment for key staff commenced in 2020, resulting in a workforce of 500, comprising 65% academic and 35% non-academic staff.
He explained that while the polytechnic initially operated from a temporary site provided by the state government, development activities have commenced at its permanent site. The institution currently runs four schools—Engineering, Science, Management Studies, and General Studies—offering 11 programs to about 300 students.
Lame highlighted the construction of two hostels with capacities of 200 and 350 for male and female students, respectively. He also outlined plans to introduce more courses to maximize the use of available staff. However, the Committee requested detailed documentation on the school’s nominal roll and procurement processes, with a directive for the Rector to reappear in seven days.
Federal Polytechnic Bali’s Submission
Similarly, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Bali in Taraba State, Dr. Mohammed Usman, presented his institution’s report. While the specifics of his presentation were not detailed, he and his team addressed the Committee and received directives on additional documentation.
Challenges of Oversight Functions
Earlier in his opening remarks, Rep. Laguda explained that the session was held at the National Assembly due to security concerns and tight timelines. He recalled past incidents that underscored the dangers of physical oversight visits, particularly in Zamfara State.
He recounted, “The last time we were supposed to meet in Zamfara, we were attacked twice. On that same road, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sokoto was tragically murdered. This is not due to a lack of care on our part but because of security risks and the need to adhere to timelines for other oversight visits.”
The session concluded with the Committee reiterating its commitment to supporting polytechnics in achieving their mandates while urging them to adopt innovative strategies to overcome challenges and contribute meaningfully to national development.