Rep Seeks Youth Empowerment, Plans Vocational/Entrepreneurship Institute

The member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency of Plateau State in the National Assembly Hon. Daniel Asama has taken a step forward with the Bill for an Act to Establish the National Vocational and Entrepreneurship Institute, Jos.

LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that the bill is sponsored by Asama aimed at tackling unemployment, youth restiveness, and skills deficiency across Plateau and Nigeria at large.

The Bill recently passed its second reading on the floor of the House and has now advanced to the public hearing stage, scheduled for June 23, 2025, at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

Hon. Daniel Asama while speaking to our correspondent in Jos said the proposed institute seeks to become a center of excellence for vocational and entrepreneurial training, equipping thousands of young Nigerians with practical, in-demand skills to boost self-reliance, productivity, and national development.

According to him, the Bill if passed into law will offer cutting-edge training in technology, craftsmanship, agriculture, creative arts, and enterprise development, serve as a model for replicable skills development institutions across the country.

He also added that it will provide an alternative pathway to success for youth who may not follow traditional academic routes and help reduce insecurity by addressing unemployment, one of the key drivers of social unrest.

“Citizens, civil society groups, educational stakeholders, and the general public are encouraged to participate actively in the upcoming public hearing and voice their support for a Bill that promises to change the narrative for young Nigerians”.

“With growing support among lawmakers and the public, HB.1186 stands as a potential turning point in Nigeria’s approach to human capital development.

Meanwhile, analysts and stakeholders have hailed the Bill as timely and transformative, describing it as a strategic intervention that aligns with Nigeria’s broader push for economic diversification, poverty reduction, and youth empowerment.