By Present ChapiOdekina, Abuja
In a transfer to fight Nigeria’s hovering youth unemployment and overhaul its schooling system, the Home of Representatives has begun deliberations on a invoice in search of to ascertain vocational and expertise coaching centres in every of the nation’s 774 native authorities areas.
Chairman of the Home Committee on Various Training, Hon. Ibrahim Almustapha, who led a public listening to on the invoice on the Nationwide Meeting, described the initiative as a “nationwide crucial”, stressing the pressing have to equip younger Nigerians with sensible, income-generating expertise.
“In a world that’s quickly evolving, pushed by technological developments and altering market calls for, it’s crucial that we equip our younger individuals with the required expertise to thrive,” Almustapha declared. “The institution of those centres is not only a coverage initiative; it’s a dedication to the way forward for our nation.”
The listening to, which featured inputs from lawmakers, stakeholders, and schooling consultants, centered on 9 associated payments proposing varied establishments geared toward boosting vocational and entrepreneurial coaching. These embrace centres and schools in Abia, Kebbi, Jigawa, Borno, Plateau, and different states—all designed to supply expertise growth alternatives for Nigerians with restricted entry to formal schooling.
Almustapha mentioned the proposed centres would assist bridge the talents hole, scale back reliance on white-collar jobs, and reposition various schooling as a driver of nationwide financial progress.
“Our committee is just not solely centered on making this sector a key various income and financial progress,” he mentioned, “but in addition on serving to to develop establishments that may impart data and expertise to construct our nation by means of progressive laws.”
He additionally praised the Speaker of the Home, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, for establishing the Committee on Various Training, a primary in Nigeria’s legislative historical past. The Speaker, represented by Hon. Alexander Mascot, reiterated the chamber’s dedication to youth empowerment by means of sensible, non-formal schooling techniques.
“Vocational coaching and entrepreneurial expertise should not simply complementary to nationwide growth—they’re foundational,” Abbas acknowledged. “Nigeria is blessed with a vibrant youth inhabitants. What stays is to offer them with the talents and platforms to develop into self-reliant and economically productive.”
Highlighting a longstanding failure of current vocational programmes, Abbas famous that regardless of years of coverage discuss, many centres stay underfunded and underutilised.
Backing this declare, Hon. Ikwechegh, representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency, known as for fast funding for current vocational centres to allow them to perform successfully. “The desire to create these centres is commendable, however let’s additionally make the prevailing ones work,” he mentioned.
Nevertheless, the initiative additionally drew measured warning. Chairman of the Home Committee on Monetary Crimes, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, warned towards a one-size-fits-all strategy, urging the committee to tailor options to the distinctive wants of every LGA. “Allow us to critically have a look at it and match it into areas that really want it,” he suggested.
Hon. Olatunji Akinosi, in his remarks, known as the invoice “one of the essential on this tenth Meeting”, including that Nigeria should transfer away from its obsession with tutorial certificates and embrace sensible competence.
“We’ve positioned an excessive amount of worth on paper {qualifications},” Akinosi mentioned. “Nations we emulate—like China, Germany, and the US—prioritise expertise over credentials. Nigeria should comply with swimsuit if we really wish to develop.”
The lawmakers expressed optimism that the proposed laws, when handed, would function a cornerstone for industrialisation and entrepreneurial progress in Nigeria.
Stakeholders from the private and non-private sectors, together with educators, civil society teams, and growth companions, attended the session and pledged help for the initiative.
Almustapha concluded with a name for collective accountability. “The way forward for Nigeria rests within the arms of our youth,” he mentioned. “It’s our responsibility to offer them with the alternatives they deserve. By way of talent coaching and empowerment, we are able to safe a greater tomorrow.”
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