AFTER 30 YEARS, TARABA STATE POLYTECHNIC HOLDS MAIDEN CONVOCATION, GOV. KEFAS REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION

By Nformi Desmond

After three decades without a convocation ceremony, Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo, on Saturday made history by holding its maiden combined convocation, bringing together graduates from 1995 to 2025 in a landmark event that also reaffirmed the Taraba State Government's commitment to revitalising the education sector.

The historic ceremony attracted government officials, traditional rulers, academic leaders, alumni, parents and well-wishers, with the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, attending as the Special Guest of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Kefas congratulated the graduating students and commended their parents, guardians, lecturers and other stakeholders for their sacrifices and commitment to the academic success of the graduates.

He described education as the foundation of sustainable development and human capital growth, stressing that it should not be viewed merely as a means of obtaining certificates but as a tool for developing critical thinking, innovation, creativity and problem-solving skills capable of transforming society.

The governor noted that every responsible government has an obligation not only to preserve educational institutions but also to reform and strengthen them by addressing existing challenges, restoring public confidence and repositioning them to meet contemporary educational standards.

According to him, upon assuming office, his administration made a deliberate commitment to rebuilding institutions, expanding access to quality education and ensuring that every Taraban, regardless of social or economic background, has the opportunity to pursue higher education.

Governor Kefas disclosed that his administration provided the support required for the accreditation of academic programmes at the Polytechnic, leading to the successful accreditation of several courses and enhancing the institution's academic standing.

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, described the maiden convocation as a defining moment in the history of the institution. He attributed the achievement to Governor Kefas's declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector shortly after assuming office, noting that the policy had brought renewed focus and transformation to tertiary education in Taraba State.

In his address, the Rector of Taraba State Polytechnic, Dr. Amos Danlami Agbu, appreciated the state government for its unwavering support for education, institutional development and human capital advancement.

He said the interventions of the present administration had strengthened the institution's academic capacity and infrastructure, while urging the graduating students to make productive use of the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies in contributing to the development of their communities, the state and the nation.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Emefo Kene commended Governor Kefas for reducing tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions, describing the policy as one of the lowest tuition regimes in the country. He said the initiative had made higher education more affordable and accessible to many students across the state.

The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from eminent personalities, including former Governor of Taraba State, Rev. Jolly Tavoro Nyame, while Governor Kefas commissioned a newly completed office complex within the Polytechnic.

For thousands of graduates who had waited years—some for decades—to be formally celebrated, the convocation was more than a ceremonial event. It marked the end of a 30-year wait, celebrated the resilience of generations of graduates, and opened a new chapter in the history of Taraba State Polytechnic as it continues its drive towards academic excellence and institutional growth.