Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) Zaria, says given the institute’s role in the federal government’s diversification effort and reduction of the unemployment rate there is the need to patronize made in Nigeria products.
The Director-General of the institute Professor Muhammad Kabir Yakubu stated this at the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 Matriculation ceremonies in the institute in Zaria.
Professor Yakubu said NILEST’s focus was to deepen its position of training, research and development activities to support critical sectors of the Nigerian economy such as the Leather sector.
He emphasized that there was the need for more training of youths to take technology to the grassroots and develop small and medium enterprises in line with the National Policy on Leather and Leather Products in Nigeria.
According to him, the Matriculation ceremony is another milestone in the implementation of the National Leather and Leather products policy implementation plan in July 2021.
Prof. Kabir Yakubu maintained that Nigeria can be great through the encouragement of indigenous technology.
He reminded the matriculating students that the training to receive would be a boost towards unlocking the enormous potential existing in the Leather sector which was the next Goldmine and holds the key to industrial growth, economic diversification, jobs and wealth creation.
The Chief Executive Officer also informed the students that NILEST had produced thousands of graduants, some of which were entrepreneurs ,skilled workers at relevant fields and even Lecturers.
Speaking on the facilities, the Director-General enjoined them to use those facilities with equal, if not better care than was done in the past, for another set of students that would come after to enjoy the legacy of prudence through developing a keen culture of maintenance and discipline.
Radio Nigeria reports that the Hybrid 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 Matriculation ceremonies of 450 students of Higher National Diploma and National Diploma took the oath.
COV/HALIRU HAMZA