By Chris Udochukwu
A bill for an act to amend the Federal Polytechnic to establish Federal institute of technology and entrepreneurship, Bungudu, Zamfara State scaled second reading at the House of Representatives on Thursday.
Leading the debate at the floor of the Green Chambers, Hon. Abdulmalik Zubairu Bungudu, member representing Bungudu/Maru Federal Constituency, Zamfara State says, the purpose is to provide qualitative education in sciences, skills, arts and other technical knowledge and for related maters (HB 497).
According to him, “This Bill seeks to provide for the establishment of the Federal Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship Bungudu, Zamfara State by amending THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNICS (ESTABLISHMENT) ACT CAP F17 LFN 2004 to offer courses and programmes to identify the Technology and Entrepreneurship problems and needs of Nigeria to provide solutions to them within the context of overall National Economic Development.
“It is a settle argument that the government cannot provide jobs for all our youths. We therefore need to train our youths and other citizens, the knowledge and skills to enable them create jobs and wealth. The main source of income for households, in Zamfara State for example, is farming. And more than 80% of the farms cannot be cultivated at the current situation due to banditry and insecurity. Most households cannot have simple two meals in a day because their only source is blocked. With this institute, people can acquire knowledge and skills in technology and entrepreneurship for inventions as well as local and international businesses to diversify the economy.
“Mr Speaker, Hon. Colleagues, this bill seeks to amend the first schedule of the principal Act through insertion of paragraph (q) containing the following words:
“Federal Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship Bungudu, Zamfara State”
“I urge Mr Speaker and my Hon. Colleagues to support this bill because it is paramount considering the economic and security situation of the country as well as the crying need of the government to create ways through which our youth can create jobs and avoid or minimize joblessness,” he said.
Meanwhile, the bill received overwhelming support from his colleagues.
