The Federal Government is set to establish 270 vocational training centres across the country as part of its intervention programme aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and skill acquisition in Nigeria.

Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mr. Rasaq Akinyemi disclosed this in Abuja during the public hearing on nine bills including a bill seeking to establish National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education, Kalgo, Kebbi State, and two Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition, Bunza, Kebbi State and Maiduguri, Borno State, held at the instance of House Committee on Alternative Education, chaired by Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu.

While commending steps toward addressing youth unemployment skill gaps and promoting innovation, Mr. Akinyemi argued that “strengthening and expanding these existing structures could be more cost effective and timely approach.”

He maintained that, “establishing and sustaining Federal Institutions require significant capital and recurrent funding. With current budgetary constraint, securing a consistent source of funding for infrastructure, personnel and operational cost remain a concern.”

Mr. Akinyemi further underscored the need to clearly define governance ce framework for the proposed institution with a view to ensure efficiency, transparency and accountability.

While pledging the Commission’s continued commitment towards building synergy with the House and relevant Stakeholders in advancing Nigerian education and training landscaper, he argued that “clear delineation of roles between Federal ministries, Agencies, State, Local Government Areas and Institution themselves is critical.”

Stakeholders drawn from various Federal constituencies where the Institutions are to be located, spoke in support of the establishment bills, considering their educational, socioeconomic and developmental benefits to the country.

In her presentation, National Commission for Almajiri and Out of school Children Education, Hauwa Alkali,

Presenting the keynote address, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen who emphasized the House resolve towards ensuring empowerment of Nigerian youths through vocational and skills training, said: “In a world that is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing market demands, it is imperative that we equip our young people with the necessary skills to thrive. The establishment of these centres is not just a policy initiative; it is a commitment to the future of our nation.

“Again, it is common knowledge that vocational training and entrepreneurial skill acquisition is a foundation and catalyst to the growth of nations like Nigeria as her economy depends on the contributions of this vital sector. Nigeria, by any standard, is well endowed with youthful population readily available to acquire vocational training and entrepreneurial skills and use same for self-reliance and nation building. The fact that our vocational and entrepreneurial skill acquisition sector has not translated into a desirable outcome has remained a concern.”

The Speaker who was represented by Hon. Alexander Mascot, assured that: “As legislators charged with law making, oversighting as well as representing the sector, the Committee is not only focused on making the sector a key alternative source of revenue and economic growth, we are also poised to contribute in the development of centers that will impact skills and knowledge for our nation through progressive legislations.”