“Polytechnic Education Holds the Key to Nigeria’s Economic Future” – Prof. Ngala
The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Monguno, Prof. Garba Muhammad Ngala, has stressed that technical and vocational education is Nigeria’s best weapon against rising unemployment and the growing out-of-school crisis.
Speaking with journalists in Maiduguri, Ngala emphasized the urgent need for skill-based learning, arguing that university degrees alone no longer guarantee employment in today’s job market.
“In the UK, a deep-sea welder earns more than a professor. Where do you learn welding? The polytechnic. Universities focus on designs, but it’s the polytechnic-trained technologists that bring ideas to life. That’s why technical education is the way forward,” he asserted.
The Rector decried the rising number of unemployed graduates, including PhD holders, stating that relying on government jobs is no longer a sustainable option.
“Employers today prioritize hands-on skills over degrees. The only way forward is to learn a trade, and polytechnics offer exactly that,” he stated.
Prof. Ngala raised concerns over the dominance of foreign workers in Nigeria’s skilled labor market, highlighting that most expatriates in tiling, painting, and welding lack university degrees.
“When constructing a house, you’ll find that tilers, painters, and welders are mostly from Cameroon, Chad, or Togo, yet we have millions of unemployed Nigerian youths. This is unacceptable. We must train our own and even export their skills abroad,” he declared.
In response to these challenges, Ngala announced that the polytechnic is expanding its programs to enroll out-of-school children and train them in vocational skills.
“Many children dropped out due to insurgency. Some failed SSCE, while others never had the chance to register. We are preparing them for SSCE and JAMB while also equipping them with employable skills. If we don’t act now, this will become a national time bomb,” he warned.
Additionally, the polytechnic is introducing short-term courses in carpentry, bricklaying, and tiling, allowing young people to acquire high-demand skills without requiring prior academic qualifications.
“If we sustain these programs for a few years, the issue of out-of-school children will be drastically reduced,” he assured.
Addressing security concerns, Ngala reaffirmed that Monguno is now safe and conducive for students, crediting the efforts of President Tinibu, the military, and the Borno State Government for the improved situation.
“We currently offer 10 courses, and we expect to admit 600 new students. Monguno is secure, and within our polytechnic, we enjoy 24/7 electricity,” he stated.
He further urged the government to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Maiduguri-Monguno road and improve access to potable water, citing the challenges faced by students and residents.
“Fixing the road will ease movement, while addressing the water scarcity will improve living conditions. Monguno has vast potential, and we invite all willing to be part of its transformation,” he concluded.
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