By Gloria Ikibah
Member of the House of Representatives, representing Ojo Federal Constituency, Rep. Seyi Sowunmi, has applauded the Federal Ministry of Education for its nationwide rollout of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scheme, this is as he called for immediate action to resolve delays that are already affecting trainee participation and centre operations.
In a statement issued on Sundayin Abuja, Rep. Sowunmi also commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for what he described as decisive leadership and a clear vision for strengthening technical and vocational learning across Nigeria. 
After reviewing the programme’s strategic objectives and conducting an on-site inspection at one of the TVET centres in Ojo, Lagos, the lawmaker espressed optimism about the capacity of the scheme to deliver meaningful change for young Nigerians.
He said: “I am confident that the TVET programme, if properly implemented, holds significant promise for youth empowerment, skills development, and long-term national competitiveness.”
Praising the Minister’s commitment to revamping technical education, he added:
“The Honourable Minister of Education has shown commendable foresight in prioritising technical and vocational skills. This is the kind of policy direction our country urgently needs, and I fully support any initiative that equips young Nigerians for productive livelihoods.”
However, he raised serious concerns about implementation lapses reported from multiple centres nationwide, including Ojo.
According to him, many trainees have still not received their promised monthly stipends, despite attending classes and hands-on training sessions for more than a month.
He warned that the situation was already taking a toll on attendance:
“For many of these young people who enrolled for this programme, the monthly stipends are essential for their transportation to their various centers. The failure of prompt payment of the monthly stipend is already resulting in declining attendance in some centres. We cannot expect commitment from trainees when the system has not honoured its commitments to them.”
Rep. Sowunmi also noted that several TVET centres have not received necessary operational funding, a gap he said was putting undue financial pressure on facilitators who had stepped in to keep the programme running.
Calling for swift intervention from the Ministry of Education, he said:
“Delays of this nature risk undermining public confidence in government programmes. To maintain the integrity and impact of this laudable initiative, all outstanding stipends and centre payments must be addressed without further delay.”
Despite the issues, the Labour Party lawmaker reiterated his readiness to work alongside the Ministry to ensure the initiative achieves its full potential in Ojo and elsewhere.
“As a representative of the people, my focus remains on ensuring that every federal initiative touching the lives of my constituents delivers as intended. We will continue to engage, support, and advocate for efficient implementation in the best interest of our youth and the nation”, he added.
