The Senate on Wednesday passed the bill for the second reading to establish the Federal College of Vocational and Technical Studies in Naka, Benue State.
Once established, the school will promote innovative learning opportunities in “bricklaying, electrical installations, plastering, roofing, plumbing, painting, cooling systems/refrigeration, carpentry, steel fabrications, welding, among others,” according to the sponsor of the bill, Sen. Titus Zam (APC, Benue North-West).
Leading the debate, he stated, “It is noteworthy to mention that there is a high rate of unemployment in the country. And if Nigeria is desirous of combating this menace, we must, as a matter of priority, encourage technical skills acquisition, as is done in other jurisdictions, to ensure that we align with the global paradigm shift, especially now that AI is taking over human activities in 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,” he added.
Senator Zam told his colleagues that the acquisition of vocational and technical skills is a major requirement for the economic viability and development of any nation.
He further added, “The establishment of this college will afford the teeming youths of this country who are unemployed the advantage of acquiring the requisite skills to contribute their quota to national development.”
The senator also emphasised that the bill demonstrated a renewed commitment to improving career and technical education when signed into law, ensuring that trainees are better equipped to succeed in the national workforce.
Contributing to the debate, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Sen. Emmanuel Udende, said the desire and need to acquire knowledge could not be overemphasised.
He stressed that the establishment of such an institute would create an atmosphere of peace, development, and security across the country, particularly in Benue.
Senator Udende pointed out that, aside from federal presence and specialised knowledge, the institute would create jobs and bring development to the area.
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