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Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has reaffirmed the role of technical education in the state’s development agenda, describing the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, as a longstanding contributor to professional training and workforce preparation across Nigeria.
Mbah made the remarks during the institution’s 43rd to 50th combined convocation ceremony held on Saturday, where 27,848 graduates received Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma certificates covering an eight year period.
The governor was represented at the event by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai.
Addressing graduates and faculty, the state government highlighted the institute’s history since its establishment in 1965, noting its reputation in technical and management education.
Mbah said the school had produced professionals who now serve in both public and private sectors, adding that many alumni have distinguished themselves in different careers.
He told the graduating students they now carry responsibility beyond the campus and urged them to reflect the values of the institution in their professional lives. He also encouraged them to maintain ties with their alma mater and support its growth.
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The governor linked the ceremony to a broader state education policy. He said Enugu intends to anchor economic expansion on knowledge and skills development, with public investment in education forming a central part of that strategy.
According to him, the state has consistently allocated more than 30 percent of its annual budget to education and plans to sustain that level of spending.
He commended the management of the institute for ongoing reforms and pledged continued government support for academic programmes and infrastructure development within the school.
Earlier, the rector, Prof. Gozie Ogbodo, outlined initiatives introduced by his administration to reposition the institution. He said the reform effort, known as the “New IMT Initiative,” focuses on digital transformation and the creation of a smart campus environment, alongside programmes in entrepreneurship, innovation and start up incubation.
Ogbodo said the institute is also strengthening academic culture and internal governance, with emphasis on discipline, transparency and improved administrative processes. Staff development and student centred learning approaches are being expanded as part of the changes, while environmental sustainability measures are being introduced on campus.
He added that the school has explored alternative revenue sources to support operations, including small scale production ventures such as bread, bottled water and tissue manufacturing, as well as commercial use of campus equipment including water tankers and a tractor.
The rector said the steps were intended to improve financial stability and reduce dependence on government funding.
Addressing the graduates, Ogbodo described the convocation as a transition point rather than an endpoint in their education. He said the certificates awarded represented both achievement and obligation.
“Your certificates are not just credentials, they are responsibilities to society,” he said, urging them to uphold integrity and adaptability in a changing labour market. He encouraged graduates to continue learning and develop skills that would allow them to respond to evolving professional demands.
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The ceremony brought together academic staff, alumni, parents and government officials and marked one of the largest graduation exercises in the institution’s history. School authorities said the combined convocation was necessary to clear a backlog of ceremonies accumulated over several academic sessions.
State officials said strengthening technical and vocational education remains part of Enugu’s wider economic planning, as authorities seek to align training programmes with industry needs and expand opportunities for employment and enterprise development among young people.
