By Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
The Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading hubs for hands-on innovation and entrepreneurial development. Within the 1st week of this semester in the 2025/2026 academic session, students and staff gathered at the Technological Entrepreneurship Development Centre (TEDC) for a transformative TetFund-sponsored Skill-Based Capacity Building Training , a programme designed to broaden practical competencies and deepen self-reliance.
Organized by Bluewaydeeds Limited, Abuja, in collaboration with the Polytechnic, the training, titled “Hands-On Skills for Self-Reliance: Perspectives on Barbing, Baking & Hairdressing”, ran from Thursday 13th to Friday 14th November 2025. The bustling energy at the venue underscored the growing interest in vocational proficiency among both staff and students.
At the heart of this initiative is the institution’s visionary Rector, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, whose strategic engagements and commitment to capacity building have continued to attract diverse TetFund interventions to the campus. Her administration has remained steadfast in promoting entrepreneurial exposure as a core component of modern polytechnic education.
Dr. Igbokwe’s drive for a Polytechnic that produces job creators, rather than job seekers, has been pivotal in securing training opportunities such as this, ensuring that staff and students gain practical skills that align with industry needs and self-employment pathways.
The programme featured hands-on sessions, demonstrations, and practice modules that gave participants real-world experience in barbing, baking, and hairdressing. For many attendees, it was not just a training, it was an eye-opener into profitable ventures that can flourish with creativity and dedication.
Notably, the training enjoyed the active participation of several distinguished staff from the Department of Social Sciences, whose presence added academic depth and mentorship value to the event. Among them were: Dr. Ikpe Paul, Acting Head of Department, Social Sciences; Dr. Ugochukwu , EPS Coordinator, Social Sciences Department; Mr. Kizito Duru, former EPS Coordinator, Social Sciences Department; Mrs. Deborah Chukwudi, alongside other committed lecturers.
Their participation as traineer underscored the department’s longstanding commitment to entrepreneurship education and student empowerment. Their interactions with fellow trainees helped bridge classroom theory with practical application, enriching the overall learning atmosphere.
Speaking during the closing session, some participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the training expanded their confidence in starting small-scale ventures and leveraging their new skills for financial independence.
As Federal Polytechnic Nekede continues to build a dynamic learning environment, the Rector reaffirmed her vision to attract more TetFund-backed programmes, ensuring that every student and staff member has access to relevant, skill-driven, and globally competitive opportunities.
With continued support, the Polytechnic is poised to deliver even more impactful training initiatives shaping a future where innovation, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship thrive on campus.
