By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Federal lawmaker representing Osun West Senatorial District in the Red chamber, Senator Oyewumi Kamorudeen Olalere has expressed optimism that the establishment of the Federal College of Vocational and Technical Studies, Ikire, Osun State will reverse the fast eroding middle-level manpower that is affecting us seriously as a country.
Sen Olalere who stated this while fielding question from Newsmen in his office at the National Assembly on Wednesday highlighted that it is looking at the need of the society and bridging the gap that informed his decision to bring the bill up.
According to him, in virtually all construction sites now, even in Abuja, most of the workers you see there are foreigners eighter from India, China, Togo or Cotonu. Even ordinary block-makers, POP Maker etc are foreigners and I discover we have to change the narrative a d call for technical knowledge for students after secondary school level so that this idea of looking for white-collar job would at least stop for once and our youths would stop roaming the street.
The Osun-born politician further stated that one thing that is very critical about skill is that it is mobile – where ever you find yourself – even if you leave Nigeria to another country, the second day you are employed because you have something to offier..” In my state, Osun, we are very enterprising and our youths are very industrous, the only missing link is in having the skills.
Precise Post recalls that the Bill, seeking to establish the Federal College of Vocational and
Technical Studies, Ikire, Osun State, sponsored by Senator Olalere passed second reading on Wednesday,
The Bill was read for the first time on 4th December, 2024.
In his lead debate, Senator Olalere said “establishing a Federal Vocational
and Technical college like this, will address the growing need for specialized, middle-level skills needed in the workforce in Nigeria. It will provide opportunities for young people to acquire necessary vocational skills that are needed for employment in the labour market.
This will help to promote economic growth and reduce unemployment.”
“The Technical and Vocational institution established by this Bill will provide acceptable certificates in middle-level Technical training
education expertise in areas like, Automobile and Heavy-duty Trucks Mechanics, Electrician, Technician, Panel and Iron Melting Technician,
Fridges and Air Conditioner Technician, Building Technology, Paint Manufacturing Technician, Dying and Fabric artisan, Furniture and
wood work artisans, Corporate programming Tech, Tailoring and Fabric design artisan, Beautician, Soap and Detergent manufacturing Artisans, among others.”
“My very distinguished colleagues, as a country, we must as a matter of priority, encourage technical skill acquisition to align with the global
paradigm shift especially now that Artificial intelligence is taking over human activities in the labour market. This will also minimize youth
restiveness and other social vices in the country.
Mr. President, my Distinguished colleagues, it is certain that this Bill, when passed will improve career and technical education which will make the trainers to be better equipped to face the challenges of modern time.”
Precise Post recalls that after passing the bill for the second reading, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the committee on Education (Basic and Secondary) for further legislative input and to report back in four weeks.
