By; SANI ALIYU, Zaria
The Director General Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) Zaria, Professor Muhammad Kabir Yakubu has said that in view of the institute’s role in the present administration’s diversity efforts and reduction of unemployment rate, there is the need to patronize made in Nigerian products.
He stated this at the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 matriculation ceremony held at the institute.
Professor Yakubu said NILEST’s focus is to deepen its position of training, research and development activities to support critical sectors of the Nigerian economy such as the leather industry.
The Director General emphasized that there is the need for more training of youth to take technology to the grassroots and develop small and medium enterprises in line with the National Policy on Leather and Leather Products in Nigeria.
According to him, the matriculation ceremony is another milestone in the implementation of the National Leather and Leather products Policy Implementation Plan in July 2021.
Prof. Kabir Yakubu maintained that Nigeria can be great through the encouragement of indigenous technology.
He reminded the matriculating students that the training they will receive will be a boost to unlocking the enormous potentials existing in leather sector which is the next goldmine and holds the key to industrial growth, economic diversification, jobs and wealth creation.
The Chief Executive Officer also informed the students that NILEST has produced thousands of graduands some of which are entrepreneurs, skilled workers at relevant fields and even their lecturers.
Speaking on the facilities, the DG enjoined them to use those facilities with equal if not better care than was done in the past, in order that other set of students that will come after will enjoy the legacy of prudence through developed keen culture of maintenance and discipline.
The Hybrid 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 Matriculation Ceremony of 450 students of Higher National Diploma and National Diploma took oath.
