Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) has been described as a veritable instrument in linking industries, Academia and technological advancement in the promotion of Research and Development (R& D) for the growth of the nation’s economy.

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Engr. Prof. Muhammed Sani Haruna who was the Special Guest at the commissioning of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) R&D and Innovation Exhibition Hall disclosed this on Tuesday in Kaduna while presenting his paper titled: “The Role of Polytechnic Research, Development and Innovation in the socio-economic Development of Nigeria”.

While emphasizing the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the socio-economic development of any nation, Prof. Haruna said “The foundation of a knowledge-based economy is formed on a tripod that comprises of technicians (Crafts men and women), Technologists and engineers, who must work together in ensuring Nigeria transits from a consumer based economy to a manufacturing economy”

“Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has been recognized as an instrument towards making extraordinary contribution to industries and technological work environments. Developed and developing countries such as China, USA, Japan, Singapore, Germany and the Asian Tigers who have attained tremendous heights in terms of industrialization as a result of consistent and substantial investment in TVET in all economic ramifications for their citizens”. He said.

Haruna noted that NASENI as an Agency of Federal Government with the primary target to empower Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) through impartation of technologies, engineering principles and practices for the production of equipment that will meet international standards as well as sustenance of a flourishing local capital goods or industry is willing to partner with NBTE and Polytechnics in the development of a pilot plant on promising R&D and Innovation Prototype.
Engr. Prof. Haruna who is an alumnus of Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi and Kaduna Polytechnic shared his experience on the glorious days when polytechnics produced relevant and quality graduates who were highly sort after by employers of labour from the private sector and various industries as well as the mutually beneficial synergy and collaboration that existed between industries and polytechnics. This he said are now completely history.

He, however, called on NBTE to review the operation of double stream classes called consultancy classes whereby students of polytechnics are admitted for afternoon and evening classes only. A method he said was lowering the standard and quality of polytechnic graduates.

Prof. Haruna concluded his address by congratulating NBTE for technology promotion through the commissioning of a Research, Development and Innovation Exhibition Hall for the TVET Sector and emphasized on NASENI’s willingness to partner with NBTE and any polytechnic with a promising prototype of research output to develop pilot plants as well as investment in a joint venture with private sector for commercial production.

The highlight of the event was the commissioning and inspection of the Exhibition Hall by the Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Musa D. Abdullahi along sides NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, NASENI’s EVC/CE, Engr. Prof. M. S. Haruna and other stakeholders present.