By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Vice Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education Institutions, Hon. Danladi Suleiman Aguye has described the immediate attention needed in the country’s Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) as an emergency.
Hon. Aguye raised the concern as part of his remarks at the public unveiling of the Committee at the Shehu Yar’adua Center, in Abuja on Monday.
The lawmaker noted that, the shift in global attention to skills acquisition is a wake up call for Nigeria to harness the potentials of technical education by creating the enablers towards activating local production, promoting enterprise and creating wealth and employment opportunities.
He commended the leadership of the House for taking the innovation and vision in forming the Committee, following the review of numbers of Standing Committees from 109 to 134, adding that, the responsibility before the committee is a challenging one.
“We have observed the steady decline in the Polytechnic and Higher Technical Education sector over the years, even before this Committee was formed. Issues ranging from poor funding, dichotomy and other discriminatory policies have prevented the growth of the sector and its contribution to meaningful national development. Nigerians are therefore relying on us to restore dignity and improved service delivery for the sector and its respective stakeholders, especially our children”, Hon. Aguye stressed.
The Vice Chairman, who represents Lokoja-Kogi/KKF Constituency, challenged all stakeholders to evolve the political will, dedication and commitment to pursue the urgent rescue that Nigeria’s Federal Polytechnics and Institutions of Higher Technical Education desire and deserve.
