By; SAMSON YAKI, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Government has officially handed over the certificate of occupancy of the land hosting the permanent site of the newly established Federal College of Education Technical (FCET) Keana to the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman.
As part of efforts to facilitate commencement of academic activities at the college, the state government equally handed over the Keana School for the Deaf to serve as temporary site of the institution.
Acting Governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe handed over both the certificate of occupancy and the temporary site of the Federal College of Education Technical, Keana to the Minister of Education at a ceremony in Keana.
Akabe said the establishment of the FCET Keana is aimed at training competent and motivated teachers with the professional knowledge and skills for the teaching of technology for societal development.
While appreciating the Federal Government for establishing and siting the FCET in Keana, Nasarawa State, he also commended the lawmaker representing the Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituency, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba for his doggedness, commitment and for initiating the bill that has led to the establishment of the college.
“It is for this reason that I wish to appreciate the FG for siting this institution in Keana for which the people of our dear state are going to be major beneficiaries,” he stated.
The acting Governor used the opportunity of the event to highlight inroads and significance the administration places on technical and vocational education.
“As you maybe aware, the Nasarawa State Government conducted a baseline survey of the education sector in 2019. The report of the survey revealed acute shortage of manpower in technical education and infrastructural deficits across all our institutions of learning.
“Concerned by this situation, Government has continued to allocate the highest percentage of our budgetary allocation to the education sector in order to boost scientific and technological advancement in our state.
“It’s pertinent to state that in our commitment to promote vocational and technical education in the State, Government has established the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute Lafia for the training of our youths and women on various skills for wealth creation, employment generation and of course self-reliance,” he said.
Akabe disclosed that as further efforts to ensure the quick takeoff of academic activities at the FCET Keana, the state government will collaborate with the college towards utilizing the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute.
“I’m happy to inform the Minister that we have established a synergy and collaboration between this institute and the FCET Keana as part of our support to facilitate the immediate take off of this college,” he added.
He equally used the opportunity of the event to appreciate the Osana of Keana, HRH Alhaji Abdullahi Amegwa Agbo III, as well the members of the community for the support they have continued to render towards the seamless commencement of academic activities in the college.
“I personally commend you for taking the responsibility as host community to donate a large expanse of land to serve as permanent site of the college. Government is also aware of the donation of some structures and residential houses to be used by the staff of the college for two years rent free,” he said.
The Nasarawa State Acting Governor assured the Minister of Education of continued support by the State Government towards the successful kick-off and continous running of the college.
“I wish to assure the Minister that Nasarawa State Government has taken it as a responsibility to continue to support the FCET Keana just like we do to other tertiary institutions and other Federal Government establishments in the state. This is necessary in our determination to ensure synergy and collaboration for societal development,” he said.
In his remarks, Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, pointed out that the establishment of the institution is a practical demonstration of the renewed hope agenda of the Federal Government and the unwavering commitment to enhance the quality of education in Nigeria.
The Minister who was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu; said the the establishment of similar colleges, the FG is taking a vital step towards fulfilling its vision of increasing the supply of qualified teachers who will shape the minds of the future generations.
“As we move forward, it’s imperative that we focus on not only educating our teachers but also in equipping them with skills necessary for effective teaching and learning. It is hoped that the FCET Keana will play a crucial role in promoting skills development amongst our youths, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation,” he stated.
Earlier in a welcome address, Provost of the Federal College of Education(Technical), Keana, Dr. Yusuf Abdullahi Ogwuzebe, described the event of the formal handing over of the site of the Federal College of Education(Technical), Keana as a landmark in the history of Keana LGA and Nasarawa State.
The Provost appreciated both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abdullahi Sule for their roles leading to the establishment of the college.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to His Excellency President Tinubu for his prompt appointment of the governing council of FCET Keana. I must recall the remarkable leadership and generosity of Governor Abdullahi Sule. His unwavering support for FCET Keana has been instrumental in making this day a reality,” he said.
The handing over ceremony started with a courtesy call on the office of the Nasarawa State acting Governor by the Minister of Education and his delegation.
The event was witnessed by top functionaries from both the Federal and State governments including the Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Mr Danladi Jatau and other members, members of the State Executive Council, Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Barrister Mohammed Ubandoma Aliyu; Hon. Aminu Suleiman, Chairman, Governing Council, FCET Keana, as well as the Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed I, amongst others.
