The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has pledged to prioritise the actualisation of the proposed Federal Polytechnic, Yabo, if elected governor in 2027.

Dan’iya described the project as an important investment in technical education, skills development and economic opportunities for young people in Sokoto South.

His comments come amid ongoing preparations for the establishment of the institution, with the Federal Government and Sokoto State Government having taken steps towards providing a temporary site for its take-off.

In July 2025, a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Education, accompanied by an official of the National Board for Technical Education, inspected the proposed temporary site in Yabo.

The federal delegation, led by the Director of Polytechnics and Allied Institutions, Dr Ejeh Usman, said the site had facilities including laboratories, a computer laboratory and staff quarters, but noted that additional infrastructure work was required before a final assessment could be conducted.

The Federal Ministry of Education said after the outstanding work was completed and the site passed the final assessment, the process for appointing the institution’s rector and other principal officers could proceed.

The project has also received a specific allocation in the 2026 Sokoto State budget. The approved budget provides ₦460 million for the renovation of the temporary site of the Federal Polytechnic Yabo, alongside further projected allocations for the project.

Against this background, Dan’iya questioned the length of time being taken to move the project from preparation towards actual academic operations.

He said that, if elected, his administration would engage the Federal Government, the senator representing Sokoto South and members of the House of Representatives from the area to address issues relating to land, compensation, infrastructure and administration.

The ADC candidate also proposed that the institution should be developed beyond a conventional tertiary school, with facilities and programmes designed around technical education, innovation and entrepreneurship.

He said laboratories, engineering workshops, digital learning facilities and innovation centres should form part of the institution’s development, with courses aligned with emerging technological and industrial needs.

Dan’iya further said the polytechnic could contribute to employment and entrepreneurship in Yabo and surrounding communities by giving young people access to practical and technical skills.

He linked the proposal to his wider education agenda, which he said would focus on expanding access to education, strengthening science and technical learning, incorporating technology and artificial intelligence into education, and improving the transition from school to employment.

The proposed Federal Polytechnic Yabo has been under development as part of efforts to expand access to tertiary education in Sokoto South. Earlier federal assessments indicated that the temporary site could support an initial take-off once the required infrastructure work was completed.

Dan’iya has therefore called on the Federal Government, NBTE, National Assembly members and other stakeholders to establish a clear implementation pathway for the project.

His pledge remains a campaign commitment ahead of the 2027 governorship election and would depend on the outcome of the election, available funding, federal approval and the resolution of outstanding administrative and infrastructure requirements.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia