Education, Politics
THE House of Representatives has urged Polytechnics in the country in a bid to drive economic growth, improve healthy living standards and address societal challenges.
Rep Fuad Laguda, Chairman, House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Education, said this in Abuja on Monday at a public hearing on three Bills.
These include: A Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Polytechnics Act.Cap.F17. Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010 to establish Federal College of Science and Health Technology, Mbu Isiuzo, Enugu State.
This is to provide qualitative education in sciences, health, arts and other technical knowledge; and for related matters (HB.589) sponsored by Rep. Paul Nnamchi.
A Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Polytechnics Acts.Cap.F17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010 to establish Federal Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship, Bungudu, Zamfara state.
This is to provide qualitative education and for related matters sponsored by Rep. Abdulmalik Zubairu.
And a Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Polytechnics Act 2010, to Establish Federal Institute of technical and vocational education, Imeko, Ogun State.
This is for the purpose of providing qualitative education in technical vocational education and for related matters, sponsored Rep. Adegboyega Isiaka.
He said the bills were timely and in tandem with the quest for more sustainable human and technological development for a self-reliant society.
“As you may be aware, we cannot, at this juncture of our development, underestimate the importance of science, technology, vocational and technical education as the key drivers of our socio-economic development.
“We need to prioritise and recognise the importance of science and health technology in driving economic growth, improving healthy living standards as well as addressing societal challenges.
“In today’s global economy, you will agree with me that skills in vocational and technical education are the panacea to Nigeria’s technological development.
“The effective training on science, technology, engineering and mathematics are the skills needed by our teaming youths to excel in the technologically driven global economy,” he said.
The lawmaker said the passage of these bills into law would not only ensure that the workforce is technologically empowered but used to tackle issues of unemployment, wealth creation, poverty reduction and a productive self- reliant society.
“There is therefore, the need for a purposeful deliberation and positive inputs by key stakeholders in the educational sector.”
He urged all stakeholders to work together as patriots towards a successful deliberation leading to the passage of the bills for the overall benefit of citizens and the nation at large.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, said through appropriate legislation, they would assure access to quality education, infrastructure, teachers’ productivity and foster digital learning.
Tajudeen represented by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Rep. Abdullahi Halims, regretted that over 60 per cent of Nigerian graduates were unemployable and underemployed.
He expressed commitment to ensure that qualitative education was made accessible to all. (NAN)
15th July, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: House of Representatives
