The management of Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari, has raised concerns over the low student enrollment in the institution but assured that strategic measures are underway to reverse the trend. Speaking during a press briefing in Dakingari, Suru Local Government Area, on Tuesday, the Rector, Dr. Abubakar Boyi-Dalatu, said poor enrollment remained a major challenge despite recent accreditation of additional academic programmes. He noted that the polytechnic, established 14 years ago to provide quality technical education to the people of Kebbi State and beyond, must attract more students to fulfil its mandate.

Boyi-Dalatu, who assumed office as substantive rector on May 31, 2024, said the institution was close to collapse when he took over due to the absence of accredited programmes. He explained that his administration prioritised securing accreditation for more courses, achieving this within four months. He also disclosed that the management had obtained approval to establish study centres in strategic locations across the state to make education more accessible to prospective students.

According to the rector, the polytechnic currently has 600 students, but the ongoing admission exercise is expected to raise the figure to 2,000. He further announced that the institution had received N500 million from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for the establishment of an Innovative Technology Centre. Additionally, the Skills Development Centre, approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), now runs 18 accredited trades, offering hands-on training in high-demand skills to enhance students’ employability.

“These initiatives will ensure our graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to succeed in their chosen careers and contribute meaningfully to society,” Boyi-Dalatu stated. The Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar-Tunga, added that the state government had already convened a stakeholders’ meeting to address the enrollment challenge and would hold more meetings to fine-tune strategies for attracting students to the polytechnic.