The Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District has advocated for the establishment of federal vocational training institution in Ikire, Osun State which will address the erosion of middle- level manpower in Nigeria, especially in construction, by promoting technical skills among youths.
He said this while fielding questions from newsmen after his bill titled A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE FEDERAL COLLEGE OF VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL STUDIES, IKIRE, OSUN scaled second reading on the floor of the senate.
The lawmaker highlighted the mobility and practical value of skills over certificates, citing international examples.
The proposed bill aims to establish comprehensive vocational and technical colleges in each senatorial district, with state governments supporting them.
The lawmaker emphasized the need for a tailored curriculum focused on specific trades like automotive, electrician, and carpentry, to ensure practical, job-ready training.
While responding to the concerns about the curriculum and the potential for vocational training to be upgraded to a degree level, Senator Kamorudeen stated that the institutions when established will complement degree programs instead of replacing it .
The federal lawmaker noted that this bill has societal benefits of vocational training, including reduced unemployment and improved practical knowledge for youths.
The bill as captured in his lead debate reads in full:
LEAD DEBATE ON A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE FEDERAL COLLEGE OF VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL STUDIES, IKIRE, OSUN STATE, (S.B. 666)
SPONSOR: SEN. OYEWUMI KAMORUDEEN OLALERE (OSUN WEST)
MR. President, my very Distinguished Colleagues, it is with gratitude that I rise to lead the Debate on the general principles of this important Bill. This Bill, seek to establish the Federal college of Vocational and Technical Studies, Ikire, Osun State. The Bill was read for the first time in this hallowed chamber on Wednesday 4th December, 2024
Distinguished Senators, undoubtedly, 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.
On this note, I humbly request my Distinguished Colleagues, to support the expeditious passage of this Bill because of its inherent relevance to the socio-economic development of our dear country and its success to the human capacity development of our teeming youths.
Thank you all.
