"We Import What We Have":Rector Blames Lack of Certification for Foreign Labour Influx

The Rector of the Federal polytechnic, Damaturu, Dr. Umar Ibrahim Bello Bashir, has called for the urgent certification of artisans in Northern Nigeria, warning that the nation’s reliance on foreign skilled labour is stifling local employment and economic growth.

Speaking during an event to mark his first year in office, Dr. Bashir highlighted that major projects such as the Dangote Refinery and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline have largely depended on expatriate workers due to a lack of certified local talent.

"Nigeria has the manpower, but our artisans are not certified. This has left us importing welders, electricians, and pipe fitters while our own people remain sidelined," he said.

He projected that upcoming developments, including the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project and the planned Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, would require more than 115,000 certified workers a demand Nigeria is currently unprepared to meet.

Dr. Bashir announced several institutional initiatives aimed at addressing the certification deficit.

According to Dr. Bashir, the polytechnic has initiated the integration of Almajirai into formal skills training and certification programmes.

"Also, the institution is introducing vocational upskilling for Islamic scholars (Ulama) through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), mandatory skills qualification for all polytechnic graduates, and the creation of new departments in hospitality and service sectors to meet local and national demand," he said.

The Rector also noted that his advocacy for financial transparency in tertiary institutions had been adopted as federal policy.

Dr. Bashir revealed,despite funding delays, the polytechnic has undertaken infrastructure upgrades with support from TETFund, including enhanced security measures across the campus.

He reaffirmed his commitment to reshaping the institution’s trajectory within five years, urging stakeholders to "prioritise skills training, certification, and local empowerment to reclaim Nigeria’s industrial potential."