A total of 425 students have graduated with National Diploma and Higher National Diploma certificates at the maiden combined convocation ceremony of Bayelsa State Polytechnic in Ekeremor Local Government Area.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the institution as it formally presented its first full graduating set since establishment, drawing government officials, education stakeholders, and community leaders.
Governor Douye Diri, who attended the event as Visitor to the institution, commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its sustained support toward tertiary education development in the state.
He described the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as a reliable partner in strengthening academic infrastructure and improving learning facilities across Bayelsa’s higher institutions.
A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying that TETFund has played a central role in the development of tertiary education in Bayelsa and across Nigeria.
“The agency has proven to be very worthy partners of the Bayelsa State Government not only in this polytechnic but also in other higher institutions owned by the state.
”Through the zonal director, I send our goodwill to the Executive Secretary and the management for all they have been doing to improve teaching and learning in Bayelsa State,” he said.
Diri reiterated that education remains the foundation of his administration’s policy direction, stressing that government has deliberately shifted focus toward technical and vocational training to promote self-reliance among young people.
He explained that the establishment of science and technical colleges across the eight local government areas was intended to supply institutions like the polytechnic with skilled students trained in practical disciplines.
“When we assumed office, the first thing on our minds was education, the second was education, and the third was education.
”That is why this government has prioritised technical and science education that equips our youths with practical skills to become employers of labour rather than job seekers,” he said.
The governor also noted progress made since the relocation of the institution to its permanent site, including programme accreditation, infrastructure development, and improved academic standards.
He praised the management, staff, and host community for their commitment to the growth of the institution.
During the event, Governor Diri approved the provision of two Coaster buses for the polytechnic and directed the Commissioner for Transport to commence immediate procurement.
He also approved the fencing of the institution for enhanced security and instructed the Commissioner for Works to assess internal road construction and other infrastructure needs on campus.
On power supply, he said the state would extend electricity from its newly installed gas turbines through Sagbama to Aleibiri and Ekeremor, instead of deploying a diesel-powered generator for the institution.
Diri further urged young people in the state to embrace technical education and skills acquisition rather than relying on political patronage or white-collar employment.
He charged graduating students to serve as good ambassadors of the institution and Bayelsa State wherever they go.
Earlier, the governor commissioned the Entrepreneurship Skill Development Centre and warehouse built by the state government to enhance practical training and innovation.
Rector of the institution, Dr. Wisdom Clinton Soreh, described the convocation as a defining moment in the history of the polytechnic.
He expressed appreciation to the state government for its consistent support and highlighted key achievements recorded under its backing, including renovation of academic buildings, construction of classrooms and offices, laboratory upgrades for Mass Communication, Computer Science and Accountancy, and library rehabilitation.
Other developments, according to him, include a temporary skill acquisition centre, improved health facilities, solar-powered street lighting, water projects, and solar electricity installations for classrooms and offices.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe; lawmakers representing Ekeremor Constituency 1, Hon. Tare Porri; Yenagoa Constituency 1, Chief Ayibanegiyefa Egba; and Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 1, Pamoh Werinipre.
Also present were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Irorodamie Komonibo; Deputy Chief of Staff, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei; and officials from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Information, alongside traditional rulers and community leaders.
