Nasarawa Govt Hands Over Keana School For The Deaf As Temporary Site Of FCET

….Community donates two years of rent-free structures

Rabiu Omaku

Nasarawa State Acting Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe said the establishment of the Federal College of Education Technical Keana is aimed at training competent and motivated teachers with the professional knowledge and skills for the teaching of technology for societal development.

Akabe gave the hint when he 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.

He said the event was part of efforts to facilitate the commencement of academic activities at the college, appreciating the Federal Government for establishing and siting the FCET in Keana, Nasarawa State.

He commended the Federal lawmaker representing Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituency, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba for his doggedness, and 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 F.G for sitting this institution in Keana for which the people of our dear state are going to be major beneficiaries,” He confided.

The Acting Governor used the opportunity of the event to highlight the inroads and significance the administration places on technical and vocational education. 

“The Nasarawa State Government conducted a baseline survey of the education sector in 2019. The report of the survey revealed an 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 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, the 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.

The Acting Governor disclosed that in 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 Technology Institute, Lafia.

“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, His Royal Highness, 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 commend you for taking the responsibility as host community to donate a large expanse of land to serve as the permanent site of the College. The 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 continuous 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 that 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.

“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.

The Provost of the Federal College of Education Technical Keana, Dr. Yusuf Abdullahi Ogwuzebe described the event of the formal handing over of the site as a landmark in the history of Keana Local Government.

He 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.