By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, yesterday, pledged the readiness of the 10th House to make laws that will foster digital learning and technical education in the country.
The speaker equally reiterated the importance of polytechnic education to the economy, adding that it will continue to provide the needed industrial development across all sections and regions.
Abbas disclosed this yesterday during a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education on four Bills seeking to establish the National Vocational Centre; Federal Artificial Intelligence Institute, Aliade in Benue State; Federal College of Science and Technology, Askira-Uba, Borno State, as well as the National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education, Wamba, Nasarawa State.
The speaker, who was represented by Auwalu Gwalabe informed that all that is required to make polytechnic education viable is strong collaboration on the side of government, as well as key stakeholders.
He pointed out that in recent years, there has been increased recognition of the important role that science, technical and vocational education play in national development.
He said with the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, it is no longer sufficient for educational institutions to merely impact theoretical knowledge.
Abbas equally stressed that youths must be equipped with practical skills that will enable them thrive in an ever-evolving technologically driven job market.
Abbas said the public hearing was a reflection of the desire and commitment of the House to prioritise technical and vocational education, as part of the ongoing social sector reform and development of the present administration.
He said reforming and modernising science and technical education are critical steps towards promoting skills acquisition and empowering our youths to contribute meaningfully to the economic growth and development of Nigeria.
