The House of Representatives has said the establishment of the National Polytechnic Commission, the Federal Vocational and Entrepreneurship Institute in Okota/Oshodi, Lagos State, and the Federal Vocational and Skills Acquisition College in Yankaba, Kano State, will spur socioeconomic development in the country.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen said this while opening a one-day public hearing on three bills seeking to establish the commission and institutions, organised by the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education in Abuja on Wednesday.
Abbas said establishing those institutions will ensure that quality education in science, skills, arts, technical and vocational training becomes accessible to all Nigerians.
“The proposed agency and institutions will serve as beacons of excellence – providing qualitative education that meets international standards while being tailored to local needs. Establishing these institutions is a testament to our resolve to bridge the gap between education and employment.
“The National Polytechnic Commission will serve as a regulatory body that ensures standards are upheld across polytechnics nationwide. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of education and promote uniformity and excellence within our polytechnic system.
“Furthermore, the creation of the Federal Vocational and Entrepreneurship Institute in Lagos State will provide essential training opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and _ skilled workers alike. It is envisaged that this institute will equip individuals with technical skills and entrepreneurial acumen—a crucial combination in fostering innovation and economic growth.
“Similarly, the Federal Vocational and Skills Acquisition College in Yankaba, Kano State, will cater to those seeking vocational training tailored to local industries’ needs. By aligning educational programs with regional economic activities, we can empower communities through skill development while simultaneously addressing unemployment challenges,” he said.
For his part, the committee’s chairman, Hon. Faud Laguda, said each of the bills was tailored towards enacting laws that will bring about the much-needed improvement in the country’s socio-economic development and invariably promote the quest for sustainable human capital development required for a self-reliant society.
“Establishing vocational, entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition Institutions in Nigeria would train technicians and middle-level personnel who would serve as catalysts for rapid industrialisation and the development of the real sector of the economy.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Sani Gwarzo who particularly supported the establishment of the National Polytechnic Commission bill, said the commission was long overdue as it will ensure proper regulations of the sector.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, said the commission was long overdue, as other sectors in the Ministry of Education have specialised commissions regulating their activities.
According to him, NBTE was presently saddled with the responsibility of regulating over 700 institutions; hence, the establishment of the Polytechnic Commission will ensure proper regulation of polytechnics and review of their curriculum.
