House Mulls Establishment Of Vocational Centres In All 774 LGAs

House of Representatives is considering a bill that seeks to establish vocational training centers in each of the country’s 774 local government areas, in a bid to tackle youth unemployment and promote skills development.

The proposal bill was debated during a public hearing alongside seven related education bills.

Chairman House
Committee on Alternative Education, Ibrahim Aliyu, said the initiative was aimed at addressing the skills gap among young Nigerians in an era of rapid technological change.

“The establishment of these centres is not just a policy initiative, it is a commitment to the future of our nation,” Al-mustapha said.

He noted that vocational training is vital for Nigeria’s economic development, stressing that the country’s large youth population represents a significant opportunity for national growth if properly equipped with entrepreneurial skills.

However, some lawmakers raised concerns about the bill’s implementation.

Alex Ikwechegh from Abia State said existing vocational centers are underfunded and urged the government to release more resources to strengthen current infrastructure.

Ginger Onwusibe, also from Abia, agreed but added that local needs should determine whether vocational centres are the best option in every community.

“Let us critically look at it and see the workability and fit it into the area that needs it,” he said.

Olatunji Akinosi from Ogun State called the proposal “one of the most important bills of the 10th Assembly” and said Nigeria must reduce its reliance on academic certificates in favor of practical technical training.

“In countries like China, Germany, and the US, your technical worth is what counts,” Akinosi said.

“We must shift from credentials to competence.”

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji