The current state of craft skills has continue to raise concern among stakeholders, as the Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu calls for urgent need to rescue the age long means of livelihood.

The Vice Chancellor made the observation when the National President of the Association of Engineering Craftmen, under the auspices of Council for Registration of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) paid a courtesy visit on the University Management.

He said skills acquisition is one of the major concerns of the Institution, hence the concerted effort in supporting the Entrepreneurial skills acquisition.

Professor Adamu who welcomed the Association urged it to partner with the University in promoting skills acquisition, stressing that it is what drives the nation to greatness.

The Vice Chancellor appreciated the Association for the visit and hoped that a difference would be made from the new leadership that is ready to partner with the University.

Speaking earlier, the President of the Association, Engr. Craft Umar Usman Maikunkele, appreciated the University Management for always supporting members, especially for sponsoring them to the National Conference held in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

He said there is every need for this cadre of engineering the has been abandoned to be brought back to life.

Engr. Usman lamented the outright neglect most craft training schools have suffered, pointing out that most of them have been converted to secondary schools with no skills acquisition centres

The President therefore commended the University Management for the training and retraining of members of the Association and observed that no nation moved forward without skills acquisition.

He then announced the appointment of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu as a Honorary member and Fellow of the Association.