Gloria Essien, Abuja
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Education, Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda has called on relevant authorities to prioritise science and health technology for economic growth.
The lawmaker who made the call at a Public Hearing on three Bills said that it was in a bid to drive economic growth, improve healthy living standards, and address societal challenges.
The bills are:
A Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Polytechnics Act. Cap. F17. Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010 to establish Federal College of Science and Health Technology, Mbu Isiuzo, Enugu State to provide qualitative education in sciences, health, arts, and other technical knowledge; and for related matters (HB.589) sponsored by Hon. Paul Sunday Nnamchi.
A Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Polytechnics Acts.Cap. F17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010 to establish Federal Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship, Bungudu, Zamfara state to provide qualitative education and for related matters (HB.497) sponsored by Hon. Abdulmalik Zubairu, and a Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Polytechnics Act 2010, to Establish Federal Institute of technical and vocational education, Imeko, Ogun State to provide qualitative education in technical vocational education and for related matters (HB.506) sponsored by Hon. Adegboyega Nasir Isiaka.
He said the Bills were timely and in tandem with the quest for more sustainable human and technological development for a self-reliant society.
“As you may be aware, we cannot, at this juncture of our development, underestimate the importance of science, technology, vocational and technical education as the key drivers of our socio-economic development.
“We therefore need to prioritise and recognize the importance of science and health technology in driving economic growth, improving healthy living standards as well as addressing societal challenges.
“In today’s global economy, you would agree with me that skills in vocational and technical education are the panacea to Nigeria’s technological development.
Also Read: House demands adequate funding for science and tech sector
“The effective training on science, technology, engineering and mathematics are the skills needed by our teaming youths to excel in the technologically driven global economy,” he said.
The lawmaker said the passage of these Bills into Law would not only ensure that the workforce is technologically empowered, but can also be used to tackle the issues of unemployment, wealth creation, poverty reduction and a productive self- reliant society.
“There is therefore, the need for a purposeful deliberation and positive inputs by key stakeholders in the educational sector. This is why the committee has invited you here today, to obtain informed opinions and inputs on the Bills, in order to further enrich the content and intendment of the proposed laws,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Abbas Tajudeen, for his continued and untiring support to the Committee.
He urged all stakeholders to work together as patriots towards a successful deliberation leading to the passage of these Bills for the overall benefit of our citizens and the nation at large.
The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Abbas Tajudeen, said through appropriate legislation we would assure access to quality education, infrastructure, teacher productivity and foster digital learning.
Represented by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Abdullahi Halims, he regretted that over 60 percent of Nigerian graduates are unemployable and under employed.
He expressed commitment to ensuring that qualitative education is made accessible to all.
