The Rector of Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari, Dr. Abubakar Boyi-Dalatu, says the institution has secured accreditation for more academic programmes and improved infrastructure as part of efforts to address low student enrollment.
Boyi-Dalatu, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Dakingari, Suru Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, said the polytechnic now has 600 students, with admission processes still ongoing.
“We are optimistic that by the end of the admission process, enrollment will rise to 2,000 students,” he said.
He recalled that when he was appointed substantive rector on May 31, 2024, the polytechnic was on the verge of extinction due to the non-accreditation of any academic programme.
“I focused my attention on the accreditation of more programmes, which we achieved within four months of my tenure. Not only did we secure accreditation of our programmes, we also ensured compliance with regulatory agencies and improved our infrastructure,” he said.
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The rector further said the institution had obtained approval from the governing council to establish study centres at strategic locations across the state to meet the demands of the people.
Boyi-Dalatu disclosed that the polytechnic had secured N500 million from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for its Innovative Technology Centre.
He added that the institution’s Skills Development Centre, approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), offered practical training in 18 accredited trades to equip students with skills in high demand.
“Our Skills Development Centre has approval to run 18 NBTE-accredited trades. These initiatives are designed to ensure our graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to succeed in their chosen careers and make meaningful contributions to our society,” he said.
Also speaking, the Kebbi state Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar-Tunga, said the state government had convened a stakeholders’ meeting to ensure increased enrollment.
“As a follow-up, more stakeholders’ meetings will be held to fine-tune ways of increasing student enrollment in the institution,” the commissioner said.
