Bauchi Assembly Considers Bill To Enhance Oil And Gas Academy’s Operations

The Bauchi State House of Assembly has commenced legislative consideration of a bill to amend the law establishing the Oil and Gas Academy, Alkaleri, Bauchi State (OGABS), to strengthen its legal and administrative framework and enhance its capacity to provide specialised technical education and skills development.

The bill was presented for debate by the majority leader of the House and member representing Shira Constituency, Hon. Auwal Hassan, who urged lawmakers to support the proposed amendment to improve specialised training, professional development and youth empowerment in the state.

Leading the debate, Hon. Hassan described the proposed amendment as a significant step towards strengthening the academy’s institutional framework and promoting sustainable economic growth through specialised education and technical training in the oil and gas sector.

He said the oil and gas industry requires skilled technicians, qualified professionals, innovative researchers, and competent personnel to support its operations, stressing the need for Bauchi State to develop a skilled workforce capable of capitalising on opportunities in oil and gas exploration and related industrial activities.

The majority leader explained that the academy was established under the Bauchi Oil and Gas Academy Law of 2022, with a mandate to provide specialised education, technical training, research and skills development for the oil and gas industry in Bauchi State and beyond.

He noted that the institution had introduced professional training and vocational skills programmes as part of its efforts to develop skilled manpower and expand employment opportunities for young people.

Hassan further highlighted the academy’s potential contributions to technical education, vocational development, technological innovation, human capital development, occupational health and safety, environmental protection and youth empowerment.

He called on his colleagues to give the proposed amendment the necessary legislative support, saying its successful passage and implementation would strengthen the academy’s capacity to contribute to educational advancement, industrial growth and the overall economic development of the state.

Following deliberations, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Jamilu Umaru Dahiru, who presided over the plenary, referred the bill to the House Committee on Natural Resources for further legislative scrutiny.

The committee was given four weeks to examine the proposed amendment and report back to the House.