By Joy Odor
A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal College of Vacational and Technical Studies, Ikire, Osun State has on Wednesday passed second reading on the floor of the Senate.
The Bill sponsored by Senator Oyewumi Olalere seeks to establish the Federal College of Vocational and Technical Studies in Ikire, Osun State aimed to address the growing need for specialized skills in the Nigerian workforce, promote economic growth, and reduce unemployment, emphasizing that skill is Mobil and not a certificate as the missing link to Nigerian youth leaving the street is acquisition.
This is even as Sen. Olalere lamented that Nigeria’s construction sites are being dominated by foreigners, many of whom are products of vocational and technical institutions in their home countries, citing the global shift towards skills-based employment.
Leading the debate, the Osun Lawmaker informed that the proposed institution will provide training in various technical fields such as Automobile and Heavy-duty Trucks Mechanics, Electrician Technician, Panel and Iron Melting Technician, Fridges and Air Conditioner Technician.
Others include, Building Technology, Paint Manufacturing Technician, Dying and Fabric artisan, Furniture and wood work artisans, Corporate programming Tech, Tailoring and Fabric design artisan, Beautician, Soap and Detergent manufacturing Artisans, among others.
The Lawmaker believed that the Bill will enable them to compete effectively in the job market and establish themselves as entrepreneurs.
He requested for the expeditious passage of this Bill because of its inherent relevance to the socio-economic development of the country and its success to the human capacity development of our teeming youths.
“I discovered that we have to change the narrative and call for technical knowledge in our society so that our youths after secondary schools will acquire these skills knowledge before proceeding to higher institutions and those who may not want tp proceed can establish themselves afterwards.
“The Bill was read for the first time in this hallowed chamber on Wednesday 4th December, 2024 Distinguished Senators, undoubtedly, establishing a Federal Vocational and Technical college like this, will address the growing need for specialized, middle-level skills needed in the workforce in Nigeria.
“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
“Mr. President, my Distinguished colleagues, it is certain that this Bill, when passed will improve career and technical education which will make the trainers to be better equipped to face the challenges of modern time” he said.
