The Senate has passed a second reading of a bill for the Federal College of Vocational and Technical Studies, Naka, in Benue.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North West on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, told his colleagues that the institute’s establishment will promote innovative learning opportunities in myriad areas like “Bricklaying, electrical installations, plastering, roofing, plumbing, painting, cooling systems/refrigeration, carpentry, steel fabrications, welding, among others.”
Senator Zam further argued that “it is noteworthy to mention that there is a high unemployment rate in the country. And suppose Nigeria is desirous of combating the menace. In that case, we must encourage technical skills acquisition as it is done in other jurisdictions to ensure that we align with the global paradigm shift, especially now that AI is taking over human activities in white-collar jobs”
“This is paramount as it will go a long way toward reducing insecurity by reducing youth restiveness and other social vices in the country.
According to him, acquiring vocational and technical skills is a significant requirement for any nation’s economic viability and development.
“The establishment of this college will afford the teaming youths of this country who are unemployed the advantage of the available opportunity to acquire the requisite skills to contribute their quota to national development “.
He pointed out that, when signed into law, the bill demonstrates the renewed commitment to improving career and technical education.
In his words,” This is with the view to ensuring that trainees are better well-equipped to succeed in the National workforce of this country.”
In his contribution, Senator Emmanuel Udende, chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-corruption and Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC), said the desire and need to acquire knowledge cannot be overemphasized.
He stressed that the establishment of such an institute would create an atmosphere of peace, development, and security across the country and in Benue in particular.
Senator Udende pointed out that, in addition to its federal presence and specialised knowledge, the institute will create jobs and develop the area.
Other speakers unanimously endorsed the bill, which was sent to the relevant committee for further legislative actions.
