NBTE Executive Secretary Emphasizes Cooperative Education's Role in Northern Nigeria's Development
By Fatima Idris Zaria
The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) prof. Idris Bugaje paid a courtesy visit to the Federal Cooperative College Kaduna on Friday, highlighting the critical role of cooperative education in addressing Northern Nigeria's socio-economic challenges.
During his comprehensive tour of the college facilities, the Executive Secretary expressed his delight at being on the campus and emphasized the institution's vital importance in Nigeria's manpower development initiatives. He noted that the college possesses significant potential to transform narratives within local communities across the region.
Addressing Northern Nigeria's Challenges
The NBTE Executive Secretary drew attention to the multifaceted challenges confronting Northern Nigeria, including social, economic, security, and energy poverty issues. He reminded the college staff of their substantial responsibility, given that the entire northern region serves as their catchment area and desperately needs their expertise and input.
"Small businesses are dying and the economic situation is struggling to survive, industries are fizzling out," the Executive Secretary observed, painting a stark picture of the region's current economic landscape.
Agricultural Focus and Cooperative Development
Highlighting that more than 70% of Northern Nigeria depends on agriculture, the Executive Secretary urged the cooperative sector to awaken to its responsibilities in adding value to agricultural output and promoting small-scale enterprises. He specifically referenced the Bangladesh model of financing cooperatives, which has proven successful in improving that country's economic situation, as a potential framework for Nigeria to emulate.
Commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda
The college Provost, visibly pleased by the Executive Secretary's visit, expressed gratitude for the official's time despite his demanding schedule. He assured the NBTE leadership of his staff's unwavering commitment to realizing the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aligns seamlessly with the college's current five-year strategic plan.
The Provost Dr.Ibrahim Mohammed Awwal outlined ambitious plans to diversify cooperative education programs and introduce new initiatives designed to support national development objectives. He also pledged increased stakeholder engagement to ensure the successful implementation of the college's strategic framework.
Strategic Vision for Development
The visit underscored the federal government's recognition of cooperative education as a cornerstone for regional development. With Northern Nigeria facing unprecedented challenges across multiple sectors, the Federal Cooperative College Kaduna emerges as a beacon of hope for sustainable solutions through skilled manpower development and innovative cooperative models.
All management staff of the Federal Cooperative College Kaduna were present during this significant visit, demonstrating institutional solidarity and commitment to the shared vision of educational excellence and regional transformation.
The collaboration between NBTE and the Federal Cooperative College Kaduna represents a strategic approach to addressing Nigeria's development challenges through education, particularly in the areas of agriculture, small business development, and cooperative financing models that have proven successful in other developing nations.
BASHIR M.M
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