By Paul Effiong, Abuja
A Nigeria Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services, NOGALSS, has thrown its weight behind the proposed Bill for the Establishment of Federal Vocational and Skill Acquisition Training Centres across the Federation, maintaining that its strategic step toward tackling unemployment, illiteracy, and poverty across the country.
Presenting a memorandum at the public hearing of the House Committee on Alternative Education yesterday at National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the group commended the foresight of lawmakers for initiating the bill, noting that it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on skills development and human capital development.
The memorandum was presented by Princess Stephanie Osa-Osaghae, a Director of Special Initiatives of the organization.
Earlier in its submission, the grpup emphasized that the bill, when enacted, will serve as a powerful catalyst for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification.
The group, however, it urged lawmakers to amend the bill to include it on the Governing Board of the proposed centers, given its extensive experience and nationwide network in literacy and skill development.
NOGALSS, which operates as the apex umbrella body for NGOs, CSOs, VSOs, vocational and skill training centers, artisans as well as other cooperatives across Nigeria informed that it was established in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education ,NMEC.
The memorandum highlighted four key reasons for NOGALSS’s inclusion in the governing structure of the proposed centers.
These include alignment with existing national literacy and skills development frameworks, leveraging community reach and expertise, ensuring transparency and accountability through data-driven monitoring, and promoting sustainability and inclusiveness in line with the Sustainable Development Goals ,SDGs.
The Association equally disclosed her readiness to establish National Data Management System, NDMS, in order to provide real-time visibility of literacy and empowerment programmes nationwide, a tool that could help ensure efficient management and equitable resource allocation for the new vocational centers.
In its proposed amendment to the bill, NOGALSS recommended the insertion of a clause stating that, “There shall be established a Governing Board for the Federal Vocational and Skill Acquisition Training Centers consisting of representatives from the Nigeria Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services—the apex coordinating body for NGOs, CSOs, VSOs, vocational skills centres, artisans, and cooperatives in Nigeria”.
The Association, therefore, projected that its inclusion would lead to stronger government civil society coordination, improved programme harmonization, and enhanced accountability for better outcomes in literacy and skills development across the country.
NOGALSS conclusively appealed to the panel to adopt its proposed amendment in recognition of its institutional capacity and long-standing role in advancing literacy and community based education.
