Students of the Federal Polytechnic Idah have demonstrated their entrepreneurial talents and vocational expertise during the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) Skills Exhibition, highlighting the institution’s commitment to producing graduates equipped with practical, job-creating skills.
The exhibition, held on Tuesday, featured a variety of innovative projects and vocational products developed by students as part of their entrepreneurship training.
Declaring the event open, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Y. B. Usman, said the exhibition was designed to provide students with a platform to showcase the practical skills they had acquired through the Entrepreneurship Development Centre.
He stressed that entrepreneurship education remains a critical tool for tackling unemployment by equipping graduates with the capacity to establish businesses, create jobs and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Earlier, the Director of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Dr. Ify Echukwu, expressed appreciation to the Rector and the institution’s management for their unwavering support, particularly in developing the centre and making the exhibition possible.
During a tour of the exhibition stands, the Rector inspected students’ works in garment making, tailoring, hairdressing, poultry farming, furniture production, solar installation, pottery, tie-and-dye, phone repairs, photography and several other vocational trades.
Dr. Usman commended the students for their creativity and urged the staff of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre to continue expanding the range of marketable skills available to students.
According to him, strengthening entrepreneurship training aligns with the vision of the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, who has consistently championed the “Skill, Not Degree” initiative.
The Rector also disclosed that the Polytechnic is planning to establish a modern Skill Acquisition Centre where students will graduate with both academic qualifications and professional skills certification, making them more competitive in the labour market.
He noted that the proposed centre would further position the institution as a leading hub for technical education and innovation while encouraging self-reliance among graduates.
The event attracted members of the Polytechnic’s Top Management Committee, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, staff and students, many of whom described the exhibition as a major milestone in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and practical learning within the institution.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of a portrait of the Rector by students of the Photography Skill Unit of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre in appreciation of his support for skills development initiatives.
