The Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger state has unveiled plans to introduce additional degree courses in the ongoing efforts to create academic niche for itself.
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Abubakar A. Dzukogi disclosed this in an interaction with journalists in Minna.
He said the Polytechnic would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Federal university of Technology (FUT), Minna and the Kwara State University on the matter.
Daily Trust reports that the Institution already has existing understanding with FUT Minna which enables it to run Bachelor of Technology Degree in some Engineering and Environmental courses.
It also currently runs some management courses in collaboration with the Kwara State University, Malete which commenced in January, 2018.
Dr Dzukogi said the Institution planed to collaborate with both universities for additional courses, which have direct bearing on the manpower drive of the federal government.
According to him, such courses include; Mining Technology, Railway Engineering and Maritime Services amongst others.
He said the advantage of the effort is to bring University education closer to Nigerians, especially the people of the Polytechnic catchment area, even as he allayed fears that the gesture might negatively affect the Institution’s core mandate.
“These programmes will not only put our name on the map of higher institutions in the country, but also provide avenue for growth and expansion, both in manpower development and facilities,” he explained.