By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa has called on the National Assembly to prioritise adequate funding of educational institutions instead of creating new ones.
The minister, who made the plea yesterday yesterday at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education at the National Assembly Abuja, opposed the bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition in Borno State.
He urged the federal government to maintain a policy of equitable distribution of federal institutions across states.
According to the minister, no state should host more than one federal polytechnic, while every state should have at least one.
The public hearing was on A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State (HB.1797), to provide full-time courses and training in technology, applied sciences, arts, social sciences, humanities, and management.
A Bill to Amend Section 3(2)(b), the Second Schedule, and Section 31 of the Federal Polytechnics Act, Cap F17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (HB.1413).
A Bill to Amend the Federal Polytechnics Act, Cap F17, to review the functions of polytechnics (HB.2114).
Alausa argued that with limited resources, government’s efforts should be directed at strengthening existing institutions to deliver quality education rather than spreading resources thin by establishing new ones.
According to him, “The Federal Ministry of Education has expanded avenues for establishing private tertiary institutions. States and individuals are encouraged to utilise these channels to support national educational development.”
The minister urged the House to always ensure that resources are dedicated to improving the quality of education by consolidating support for already existing institutions.
In his presentation during the public hearing, the sponsor of the bill, Usman Balami strongly defended his proposal, maintaining that insecurity and rising unemployment in Borno are among the major reasons for government to establish the institution.
The lawmaker equally informed that the proposed college remains strategic in view of the growing number of unemployed qualified youths in Borno State.
He added that the proposed institution would equip young men and women with the skills necessary for self-reliance, as well as economic empowerment.