As parts of its human capital development and youth empowerment drive, the Kwara State Government has awarded a contract for the construction of the phase one of the College of Engineering and Technology Complex at the State owned University in Malete at the cost of N810million.

Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of the college, the State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed said the objective of his administration was to ensure that the university produces "highly skilled engineers who are equipped to become entrepreneurs and players in the competitive global economy of the 21st century".

Governor Ahmed noted that this was also in line with the vision of his administration in establishing an International Vocational Centre in Ajasse-Ipo designed to produce middle-level manpower that will fill the obvious gap in job market, thereby ultimately transforming Kwara State into the hub for the production of vocational skills in the country.

The Governor called on stakeholders in the state to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the institution to make it rank among the top ten Universities in Nigeria in the next five years.

"I, therefore, wish to appeal to the captains of industries, finance and banking institutions, information and communication technology (ICT) companies and multinational companies to start thinking of what they can do for and get from the Kwara State University", he said.

Dr Ahmed assured employers of labour that graduates of the Kwara State University would be top notchers in science, research and development. "Graduates of this university will enter the economy equipped with world-class education and the business mind-set necessary for successful entrepreneurship", he affirmed.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor AbdulRasheed Na'Allah in his speech said the University's academic programmes are designed to nurture the spirit of anticipation, agility, adaptability and adventure.

Prof. Na'Allah said the institution's College of Engineering and Technology will, among other courses, run a programme on Aeronautical and Astronomical Engineering which he said would be the first in Nigeria.

"The academic programmes of the College are designed to contribute to solving society's challenges by promoting the discovery of new knowledge and by preparing students for leadership roles in a global, technology driven society", Prof. Na'Allah emphasised.