The Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, on Saturday said that the Federal Government would give priority to human capacity development to tackle unemployment in the country.

Adamu made the disclosure at the 23rd Convocation ceremony of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, in Edo.

The minister, who was represented by Dr Hilda Onyekwere, said that human capacity development topped the agenda of the Buhari-led administration.

“The biggest challenge confronting our country today is the high level of unemployment among our youths.

“As part of its agenda in the area of education, this government places human capacity development among its top priorities.

“In this context, it is most obvious for higher educational institutions to train competent persons in human resource management, capable enough to contribute effectively to the economic, social and cultural development of the country.”

Adamu said that the Federal Government was committed to supporting Technical Vocation Education and Training (TVET) for future changes in the country.

He urged heads of polytechnics and technology-based institutions to develop appropriate attitudes and give career choices that were in harmony with a person's potential, to enable him engage in lifelong learning and development.

“I challenge the TVET sector to engage in teaching, learning and research in such new areas that will turn around the fortune of this country.

“I expect the TVET sector to focus on Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Energy (conventional and renewable), advance materials, railway engineering and technology, as well as aerospace technology.

“This government believes that we can break free of poverty and become truly prosperous if we accord the TVET sector its rightful place by funding it appropriately.”

The minister disclosed that the federal government had given approval for the framework of National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), to formulate a national skill development policy and plan for Nigeria.

He commended the rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Philipa Idogho,for her capacity, efficiency and goal-focused administration since she assumed office years back.

“I want to specifically commend Dr Philipa Idogho for repositioning the polytechnic in terms of infrastructural development and raising the standard of learning in the institution.

“I commend you for a job well done; by all practical means, yours was a successful tenure and I recommend your mettle to others.”

Earlier, Idogho said that a total of 2,748 students were awarded Higher National Diploma (HND) while 3,950 students awarded with National Diploma (ND).

The rector said that a total of 69 projects had been carried out and completed since she took over the leadership of the polytechnic in 2008.

“On assumption of office in 2008, I sat with my management team to critically assess the strength, the weaknesses of the polytechnic.

“We reached a conclusion that if the polytechnic must continue to be relevant and be in an advantaged position, it needs to be possibly upgraded to a university of technology.

“My tenure as rector of the polytechnic comes to an end in February 2016.

“I thank the management, staff and students of the polytechnic for their exceptional cooperation in approximately eight years we have all worked hard to change the face of Auchi Polytechnic.

“We have collectively built a polytechnic that is respected by its peers, relevant in the production of high caliber manpower and sought after by candidates seeking admission as polytechnic of first choice.” (NAN)

•Photo shows Education Minister Adamu Adamu.