The Forum of Nigeria Polytechnics Alumni Associations (FONPAA) held its Inaugural Public Lecture on the Theme: “Tertiary Education In Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis of Funding, Policies and Reforms In a Non-Democratic and a Democratic Eras”, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Center, on Monday 28th April, 2025

The Lecture drew participation from prominent stakeholders across the education sector, policy makers, scholars, civil society actors, the media and members of various Polytechnic Alumni Associations. It provided an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s Tertiary Education system, particularly the evolution of its funding, policies, and reforms during periods of Military Rule and other Non-Democratic Regimes.

The Lecture which was eminently Chaired by Engr. Dr. Nuru Muhammad Yakubu, FNSE, FNSME, FNIM, FAENG, OON, former Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic, Former Executive Secretary of NBTE and a National Commissioner of INEC, also had as Guest Speaker, His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, CON, Senator Representing Bayelsa West, Founder, Hensard University, Two Terms Member of House of Representatives, and Two Terms Former Governor of Bayelsa State, who delivered an impeccable Keynote Address.

The epoch making event also had His Royal Highness, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage 1, JSC Rtd, Emir of Lafian Barebari, Chairman, Nassarawa State Council of Chiefs, as Royal Father of the Day and Prof. Idris Bugaje (ES NBTE), amongst the Discussants; with the Chief Host being the National President of Forum of Nigeria Polytechnics Alumni Associations and Kaduna Polytechnic Alumni Association President, Rt. Hon. Abba Anas Adamu and the Chairman Planning Committee, Nze Henry Chukwuka Nnebe the National Secretary of FONPAA and National President of Federal Polytechnic Oko Alumni Association.