Federal Poly Ukana Set to Launch 13 New Skills Programmes

Federal Polytechnic, Ukana is set to become a major skills training hub in the South-South Region after securing imminent approval from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to launch nine new skill acquisition programmes under the National Skills Qualifications (NSQ) framework.

The approval followed a recognition and resources inspection conducted by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) team at the Polytechnic’s Entrepreneurial Centre on Tuesday 5th, August, 2025.

The inspection focused on assessing the Institution’s capacity to support the training of both youths and undergraduates in line with the Federal Government’s National Skills Acquisition Scheme.

Mr. Miri Ebipade, M.P, leader of the NBTE inspection team, outlined the purpose of their visit, to approve the institution as a certified training center and conduct a resource inspection for skill acquisition programmes. He commended the Polytechnic’s well-equipped facilities, noting that, they were poised to deliver comprehensive training. Emphasizing the importance of the National Skills Qualifications Programme, he highlighted its role in enhancing skill acquisition nationwide and equipping graduates with practical skills for the job market.

In his words, “We are here to grant you the approval that will enable you to become a certified training center, empowering youths in the South South Region to acquire valuable skills. By working together, we can make this vision a reality. With NSQ certification, your trainees will have the opportunity to secure employment in government-owned institutions.

The goal is skills, not a degree. This is because with skills you can employ many, which resonates with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s desire for every Nigerian “.

The inspection team reviewed workshops dedicated to carpentry and wood joinery, paint making, welding and fabrication, electrical work, and plumbing, confirming the Institution’s readiness to offer high-quality training in these areas.

Earlier, the Rector, Amb. (Mrs) Eduma Enobong Essien praised NBTE for its continued support and underscored the critical role of skill acquisition in today’s economic landscape. She reaffirmed the Institution’s commitment to delivering high-quality training, ensuring the initiative’s success.

“The importance of skill acquisition cannot be overstated,” Essien stated. That’s why we’re committed to creating an environment where our students graduate not just seeking white-collar jobs, but are empowered with practical skills to be self-sufficient”.

She further expressed pride in Federal Polytechnic Ukana being one of the few Institutions in the South-South Region selected for the programmes. “We are proud to be a beneficiary of this skills acquisition scheme, and we won’t take it for granted,” she pledged.

During the exit briefing, Mr. Abdullahi Naim expressed satisfaction with the equipment and level of preparedness of the Institution to embark on skill acquisition programmes. However, he highlighted areas requiring attention to achieve overall excellence.

In a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Mr. Jeremiah Jeremiah Akpabio extol the Rector for securing new skills programmes just months after 19 courses received accreditation. He thanked the NBTE team for their feedback and assured them that identified areas for improvement would be addressed promptly. He concluded by thanking staff for their collaboration in ensuring the success of the resources inspection.

The approved trades, include:

1. Electrical Installation,
2. Welding and Fabrication,
3. Carpentry and Joinery
4. Furniture Making and Upholstery,
5. Plumbing,
6. Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning Repairs and Maintenance
7. Paint Making,
8. Masonry,
9. Information Technology,
10. Fashion Design and Garment Making
11. Leather Works
12. Automobile
13. GSM Repairs