Lawmakers, Stakeholder Give Support for Federal Polytechnic Onueke Establishment Bill in Senate Public Hearing
The bill seeking the establishment of Federal Polytechnic (Vocational and ICT) Onueke, Ezza South, Ebonyi State on Thursday received overwhelming support at the public hearing in the Senate.
The bill sponsored by Senator Kenneth Emeka Eze (APC, Ebonyi Central) received massive support from lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, stakeholders and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
At the public hearing organised by the Senate Committee of Tertiary Education and TETFund, chaired by Senator Dandutse Muntari Mohammed, the NBTE stated that it was solidly behind the establishment of the institution and used the opportunity to appeal for proper funding of technical education in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio who was represented by Senator Titus Tartenger Zam, he stated that the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic Onueke was “not just about creating new institution, but about nurturing the minds of our youth” as he insisted that “quality education is not a privilege, but a right every Nigerian deserves.” Senator Akpabio concluded that the establishment of the school “will contribute meaningfully to our society.”
Justifying the need to ensure the establishment of the institution, Senator Eze said that, “the focus on vocational, ICT, and skill-based education training is imperative in a nation where unemployment rates are alarmingly high as we have in our nation. By providing students with hands-on experience and practical skills, we can empower them to become self-sufficient and contribute positively to our economy. This institution will serve as a catalyst for job creation, innovation, and economic growth in Onueke and beyond. Secondly, education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about fostering an environment where creativity and critical thinking can flourish. The Federal Polytechnic Onueke will be designed to encourage collaboration between students, educators, and industry experts. By forging strong partnerships with local businesses, industries and organizations, we can ensure that our curriculum remains relevant and aligns with the needs of the modern-day job market.
According Eze, “The demand for technical and vocational skills is higher than ever before. Yet, we are faced with a pressing challenge: how do we equip our future leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals with the tools they need to thrive? The Federal Polytechnic (Vocational/ICT), Onueke presents us with an opportunity to create a hub of learning that focuses on vocational excellence, technical skills, and the information and communication technology that drives major economies of the world today. This Bill is not just about establishing a new institution; it is about responding to the needs of our communities and our economy. By investing in vocational education, we are making a commitment to our youths—the commitment to provide them with pathways to success and dignified employment.”
Stakeholders who attended the public hearing expressed strong support on the critical need for the institution, one of the stakeholders, Dr. Ernest Ereke, a lecturer at the University of Abuja stated that the school was critically important if Nigeria must be part of “industrial revolution 4.0” which is largely based on technology as tool for industrialisation.
On his part, Mazi Moses Idika who spoke on behalf of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), he stated that “The polytechnic when established will provide not just training opportunity but also provide employment, create business environment and become an economic hub within the Ebonyi Central Senatorial District as well as adjoining towns and communities.
Idika further said that the institution “will give Nigerian youth from all over the country the opportunity to fulfil their dreams of tapping into technology to fulfil their dreams and create the avenue express their latent talents.”
Speaking on why the 10th Senate was disposed to supporting the establishment of new tertiary institutions like the Federal Polytechnic Onueke, the Committee Chairman, Senator Dandutse Muntari Mohammed stated that the institution is unique because it will be based on “practical knowledge that is currently needed in the country.”
The Chairman assured that he will work hard with his committee members to ensure that the report of the bill will be presented to plenary for final legislative action before forwarding it to the House of Representatives for concurrence.
Other lawmakers who expressed support for the bill are Senator Diket Plang (APC, Plateau Central), Senator Anthony Ani (APC, Ebonyi South), Sen Cyril Fasyi (APC, Ekiti Central), Sen, Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West), Sen. Austin Akobundu)PDP, Abia), Sen. Patrick Ndubueze, Rt. Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha (APC, Imo) among many other lawmakers.
Stakeholders from Ebonyi State, including Chief Chika Nwafor, the President of Ezza nation and Chief Ikechukwu Nwonu also spoke in support of the bill.