10/06/2026
FCE OBUDU HOSTS 9TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
The School of Secondary Education, Vocational and Technical Education Programmes of the Federal College of Education, Obudu, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, officially commenced its 9th National Conference with a call for renewed commitment to skills acquisition, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship education as essential tools for preparing students for global competitiveness in the 21st century.
The opening ceremony, held at the Multi-purpose Hall of the College's Bebi Campus, attracted academics, education administrators, researchers, students, and other stakeholders from across the country. The conference was themed "Preparing Students for Global Competitiveness through Vocational and Technical Training in the 21st Century: Strategies for Skills Development and Workforce Readiness."
Declaring the conference open, the Provost of the College, Dr. Richard Ugbaha Utubaku, expressed appreciation to the Dean of the School, Mr. Richard Udie, and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman, Dr. Lawrence A. Ugbe, for successfully bringing together scholars, professionals, and students to deliberate on issues critical to national development through vocational and technical education.
Dr. Utubaku noted that government policies have increasingly emphasized entrepreneurship and skills acquisition, making entrepreneurship courses compulsory in tertiary institutions while ensuring that academic programmes are largely skills-based. He urged participants to use the conference as an opportunity to explore innovative and meaningful ideas capable of transforming education and improving national productivity.
The Provost also highlighted the importance of the Federal Government's Dual Mandate Programme, describing it as a strategic initiative designed to prepare institutions and students for future opportunities through a combination of teacher education and vocational training. According to him, the ongoing transition from the traditional Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree structure into the Dual Mandate framework is expected to be completed within five years.
He commended the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) for organizing workshops and seminars that have facilitated the implementation of the programme across colleges of education in the country.
"In the wisdom of management, the office of the Deputy Provost (Administration) has been relocated to the Bebi Campus to enable closer monitoring of the day-to-day activities of the College and provide timely reports to management," he said.
Reflecting on his personal connection with the venue, Dr. Utubaku recalled that his first lecture as a student in 1988 was held in the same hall where the conference was taking place.
He further encouraged students to take full advantage of the facilities available at the Bebi Campus, particularly the hostel accommodation, while stressing the importance of maximizing the opportunities provided by the conference for personal and professional growth.
The keynote address, titled in line with the conference theme, was prepared by Dr. Emmanuel Asagha of the Department of Physics, Federal College of Education, Obudu. Although Dr. Asagha was unavoidably absent, the paper was ably presented on his behalf by Dr. Aniashie Akpanke, who effectively delivered the keynote message and stimulated discussions among participants.
The conference also featured presentations of lead papers by distinguished scholars. The first lead paper was presented by Prof. David Adie Alawa, an alumnus of the School and Professor of Agricultural Education and Training. Prof. Alawa provided valuable insights into the role of vocational and technical education in addressing unemployment and enhancing global competitiveness among graduates.
The second lead paper was delivered by Dr. Cletus Atah of the Department of Business Education, University of Calabar. His presentation focused on practical strategies for skills development, entrepreneurship, and workforce preparedness in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
One of the major highlights of the opening ceremony was the conferment of awards on distinguished Nigerians and notable alumni of the School of Vocational and Technical Education in recognition of their outstanding contributions to education, public service, community development, and national growth.
Among the prominent award recipients were Hon. Chief Peter Akpanke, Member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area; and Hon. Amb. Chief Sunny Ebebe Ayang, Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, alongside several other deserving personalities.
The Provost, principal officers of the College, the keynote presenter, and the first and second lead paper presenters were also honoured with awards for their contributions to educational advancement and national development.
The conference is expected to continue with technical sessions, paper presentations, and panel discussions aimed at generating practical recommendations for strengthening vocational and technical education in Nigeria and equipping students with the skills necessary to compete effectively in the global workforce.
Participants expressed optimism that the deliberations and resolutions of the conference would contribute significantly to educational reform, economic growth, and sustainable national development.
