(SINL NIGERIA) The bill for an act to establish Federal College of Vocational and Technical Studies, Ikire in Osun on Wednesday passed second reading at the Senate.
It would be recalled that the bill was read for the first time at the Senate on Wednesday 4th December, 2024.
The sponsor of the bill, Senator Oyewumi Kamorudeen representing Osun West, in a lead debate stated that the bill will improve career and technical education, saying it will make trainers to be better equipped to face the challenges of modern time.
He explained that establishing a Federal Vocational and Technical college in Ikire, will address the growing need for specialized, middle-level skills needed in the workforce in Nigeria.
According to the lawmaker, “The institution will provide opportunities for young people to acquire necessary vocational skills that are needed for employment in the labour market”, adding that it will also help to promote economic growth and reduce unemployment.
Additionally, Senator Kamorudeen said “the college when established It will provide opportunities for young people to acquire necessary vocational skills that are needed for employment in the labour market.
“This will help to promote economic growth and reduce unemployment. The Technical and Vocational institution established by this bill will provide acceptable certificates in middle-level Technical training education expertise” he said.
“As a country, we must as a matter of priority, encourage technical skill acquisition to align with the global paradigm shift especially now that Artificial intelligence is taking over human activities in the labour market. This will also minimize youth restiveness and other social vices in the country”.
Meanwhile, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the committee on Education (Basic and Secondary) for further legislative input and report back in four weeks.
