The house of representatives is considering a bill seeking to establish vocational training centres in Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
Ibrahim Almustapha, chairman of the committee on alternative
education, spoke at a public hearing on the proposed legislation and seven
related bills in Abuja on Thursday.
He said it is crucial to equip youths with relevant skills
in today’s fast-changing world, shaped by technological progress.
“The establishment of these centres is not just a policy
initiative, it is a commitment to the future of our nation,” he said.
“It is common knowledge that vocational training and
entrepreneurial skill acquisition are a foundation and catalyst to the growth
of nations like Nigeria, as her economy depends on the contributions of this
vital sector.
“Nigeria, by any standard, is well endowed with a youthful
population readily available to acquire vocational training and entrepreneurial
skills and use the same for self-reliance and nation building.
“The fact that our vocational and entrepreneurial skill
acquisition sector has not translated into a desirable outcome has remained a
concern.
Alex Ikwechegh, lawmaker representing Aba north/south
federal constituency of Abia, called for the release of funds for existing
vocational centres, stressing that many of them are currently underfunded and
unable to function at their full potential.
Ginger Onwusibe, a lawmaker from Abia, supported Ikwechegh’s
view but argued that other institutions might be of greater priority in some
LGAs than vocational centres.
“Let us critically look at it and see the workability and
fit it into the area that needs it,” he said.
Olatunji Akinosi, a legislator from Ogun state, described
the bill as “one of the most important bills this 10th assembly”.
“Before now, Nigerians have attached so much importance to
having certificates. The countries we have tried to emulate do not have this
kind of system. Your technical worth makes so much importance to them,” he
said.
Olatunji argued that Nigeria’s emphasis on academic
certificates hinders national progress, noting that developed countries like
China, the US, the UK, and Germany value technical skills over paper
qualifications.
The lawmaker added that Nigeria should shift focus from
credentials to practical competence.
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