Four bills that aim to create additional training facilities for vocational and skill acquisition around the nation are being considered by the House of Representatives’ alternative education committee.
The action, which has been called a “bold step” to combat unemployment and improve Nigeria’s human capital, intends to offer a different route for generating jobs and lifelong learning.
Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu (APC, Sokoto), the committee chairman, stated in his opening remarks at a one-day public hearing in Abuja on Monday that acquiring entrepreneurial skills and vocational training are essential components of national development.
For self-sufficiency and the advancement of the country, he stated that Nigerian youth “must be empowered through skills training and alternative education.”
The chairman revealed that the four legislation being considered are intended to:
Umuobum, Imo State’s South East Institute for Vocational and Entrepreneurial Studies
Mbaise, Imo State’s Federal Institute of Technical Education and Skills Acquisition
Ilorin West, Kwara State’s Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition
Agadagba-Obon, Ese-Odo, Ondo state’s National Institute for Vocational and Entrepreneurial Studies
Ikeagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere, Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, Muktar Tolani Shagaya, and Chinedu Emeka Martins are the sponsors of the legislation, respectively.
The National Commission for Almajiri Education (NCAE), the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), and members from the Mbaise Community and the Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom are important parties involved in the bill.
In order to provide a “bridge between educational qualifications and skills for national development,” the speaker, who was represented by Paul Nnamchi (LP, Enugu), claimed that alternative education was a “brain child borne out of necessity.”
On behalf of the SEDC’s executive director, Ifejika Sunday reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to programs that advance technical education, stating that the creation of the centers “aligns with its establishment mandate.”
Nonetheless, the Nigeria Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS) director of special initiatives, Stephanie Osa-Osaghae, demanded that NOGALSS be added to the board of the suggested centers.
This would “guarantee broad-based participation and effective coordination,” she contended.
Key players from the government, academia, business, and professional associations including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) were present during the public hearing.
