House of Representatives is set to provide a legal framework for the establishment of federal vocational and skills training centres across all 774 local government areas of the country.
The Chairman house Committee on Alternative Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu, made the statement at a public hearing on the proposed legislation at the National Assembly complex Abuja.
Alhaji Ibrahim Mustapha, said the initiative was part of plans to address the country’s long -standing gaps in skills acquisition and technical training as well as tackle youth unemployment for national development.
The committee Chairman who emphasized the urgent need to empower Nigerian youths through structured vocational and entrepreneurial training also highlighted the global shift toward skill-based economies driven by technology and innovation.
“In a world that is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing market demands, it is imperative that we equip our young people with the necessary skills to thrive. The establishment of these centres is not just a policy initiative; it is a national imperative,” he said.
The session however, deliberated on other related bills proposed for the creation of National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education, Kalgo, Kebbi State, Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition Maiduguri, Borno State; and Federal Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Centre, Mallam Madori, Jigawa State.
Others are Federal Technical and Vocational Training Center, Aba, Abia State, Federal Vocational Training Center, Riyom, Plateau State, Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition Bunza, Kebbi State, Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition Ntigha, Abia State; and National Vocational and Entrepreneurship Institute, Jos, Plateau State.
Alhaji Mustapha Aliyu maintained that the proposed centres would serve as a vehicle for equipping Nigerians, especially those without formal primary, secondary, or tertiary education, with practical skills to ensure self-reliance and contribute meaningfully to national economic growth.
In a message, the Speaker Dr Abbas Tajuddeen, emphasized the 10th House resolve towards ensuring empowerment of Nigerian youths through vocational and skills training.
Represented by Mr Alexander Mascot, Dr Abbas Tajuddeen, said the committee is not focused on making the sector a key alternative source of revenue and economic growth, but centers that will impact skills and knowledge for the nation through progressive legislations.
He further advocated the release of funds for the existing vocational centres, stressing that many of them are currently underfunded and unable to function at their full potential.
Also speaking, Mr Olatunji Akinosi, described the bill as necessary and important emphasizing that its high time for Nigeria to shift focus from credentials to practical competence, noting that developed countries like China, US, UK, and Germany value technical skills over paper qualifications.
Other stakeholders who spoke on the objectives of proposed legislations expressed optimism that the bills when passed into law will boost Entrepreneurial skills and country’s industrialization programmes.
COV/TSIBIRI
