The House of Representatives has further established federal vocational and skills training centres across the country’s 774 local government areas to tackle youth unemployment and drive national development.
Speaking at the public hearing on the proposed legislation, the House Committee on Alternative Education chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Al-Mustapha, stressed the urgent need to empower Nigerian youths through structured vocational and entrepreneurial training.
The chairman said the session marked a significant step toward addressing the country’s long-standing skills acquisition and technical training gaps.
He described the initiative as “a commitment to the future of our nation,” highlighting 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. Establishing these centres is not just a policy initiative but a national imperative,” Al-mustapha said.
The hearing featured deliberations on nine related bills, including proposals to create the National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education in Kalgo, Kebbi State, the National Vocational Training Centre in all 774 LGAs (HB. 736), the Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition in Maiduguri, Borno State, and the Federal Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Centre in 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.
According to the committee, these 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.
“Our Committee is not only focused on making this sector a key alternative source of revenue and economic growth, but also on helping to develop institutions that will impart knowledge and skills to build our nation through progressive legislation.
“This platform allows us to tap into the views of stakeholders, experts, and citizens who will ultimately be the beneficiaries of these initiatives,” the panel’s chairman said.
While declaring the public hearing open, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen restated the House’s resolve to ensure the empowerment of Nigerian youths through vocational and skills training.
Represented by Hon. Alexander Mascot(APGA, Abia state), Abbas said that as lawmakers charged with lawmaking, oversight, and representation, the committee is not only focused on making the sector a key alternative source of revenue and economic growth but also contributing to the development of centres.
He said, “In a rapidly evolving world driven by technological advancements and changing market demands, we must equip young people with the necessary skills to thrive. Establishing these centres is not just a policy initiative; it is a commitment to the future of our nation.
“Again, 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,” he said.
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