By Tyowase Aondover
The Nigerian Senate has passed for the second reading, the bill to establish the Federal College of Vocational and Technical Studies in Naka, Benue state.
Sponsor of the bill, Senator Titus Zam representing Benue North West on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, told his colleagues that the establishment of the institute will promote innovative learning opportunities in myriad areas like “Bricklaying , electrical installations ,plastering ,roofing,plumbing , painting,cooling systems/refrigeration ,carpentry, steel fabrications, welding ,among others”.
Senator Zam further argued that ,”it is noteworthy to mention that there is a high rate of unemployment in the country . And if Nigeria is desirous of combating the menace , we must ,as matter of priority ,encourage technical skills acquisition as it is done in other jurisdictions to ensure that we align with global paradigm shift ,especially now that AI is taking over human activities in the white-collar jobs.
“This is paramount as it will go a long way to check youth restiveness and other social vices in the country ,thereby reducing insecurity .
According to him acquisition of vocational and technical skills is a major requirement for economic viability and development of any given nation.
“The establishment of this college will afford the teaming youths of this country who are unemployed ,the advantage of the available opportunity to acquire the requisite skills in order to contribute their quota to national development “.
He pointed out that the bill demonstrates the renewed commitment to improve career and technical education when signed into law.
His words,” this is with the view to ensuring that trainees are better equipped to succed in the National workforce of this country “.
In his contribution , the chairman Senate committee on Anti-corruption and Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC) ,Senator Emmanuel Udende said the desire and need to acquire knowledge cannot be over emphasized .
He stressed that the establishment of such institute will create an atmosphere of peace , development and security across the country and Benue in particular .
Senator Udende pointed out that aside the federal presence , specialized knowledge ; the institute will create jobs and bring bring development to the area .
Other speakers unanimously endorsed the bill and it was sent to the Senate committee on Tertiary institution for further legislative action .
