Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas supports bills to improve technical and digital education

Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, gave his assurance on Monday that the legislature is prepared to propose legislation to improve technical and digital education nationwide.

He said this at a public hearing held by the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education at the National Assembly Complex.

Bills to build the National Institute for Technical and Vocational Education in Wamba, Nasarawa State; the Federal College of Science and Technology in Askira-Uba, Borno State; and the Federal Artificial Intelligence Institute in Aliade, Benue State, were the main focus of the hearing.

In order to improve digital learning and technical education in Nigeria, Abbas emphasized the significance of cooperation between the government and stakeholders, as represented by Auwalu Gwalabe, a member of the Katagum Federal Constituency in Bauchi State.

He emphasized how science, technical, and vocational education are increasingly seen as essential to the advancement of the country.

“We hope that the establishment of these proposed institutions will provide access to quality technical education, address skills gaps by equipping graduates with employable skills, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and support the government’s effort to diversify the economy,” he said.

“These institutions will serve as beacons of excellence – providing quality education that meets international standards while catering to local needs. Today’s hearing aligns with our legislative agenda to enhance Nigeria’s educational framework.

“In an increasingly competitive global environment, it is vital for our youth to possess relevant skills and knowledge,” Abbas added.

According to Fuad Laguda, the committee’s chairman and representative for Lagos State’s Surulere 1 Federal Constituency, the measures are intended to enhance Nigeria’s educational advancement and cultivate the long-term human capital required for an independent society.

He emphasized how crucial it is to use STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—to promote economic expansion. Laguda added that enacting these bills will increase economic creation, lower unemployment, and give workers more technological power.

“As you may know, the primary objective of vocational, entrepreneurial, and technical skills acquisition institutions in Nigeria is to train technicians and middle-level personnel who will act as catalysts for rapid industrialisation and real sector development,” he stated.